Published Article in The News-Review—Behind the Bottle: Sparkling Wines for Spring

My recent article, “Sparkling wines to celebrate spring,” was published in Roseburg, Oregon’s The News-Review. This is my first article written on behalf of the Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association for The News Review, and I’ll be publishing something every other month for the rest of the year, so look out for the next article in June.

Terry and Sue Brandborg, Brandborg Vineyard & Winery.

Steve and Paula Wilson, Cooper Ridge Vineyard.

Stephen Williams, Trella Vineyards.

I wrote this article about sparkling wines to celebrate spring, because I love the idea of these fun, bubbly creations awakening us after a long, dark winter. The days are now longer and sunnier, calling for something zippy and refreshing. Our senses want to experience the freshness and crisp possibility in the air and in our glasses.

I was able to talk with Terry and Sue Brandborg about Brandborg Vineyard & Winery’s 2021 Gewürztraminer Pét-Nat. If you don’t know, I’m absolutely crazy about Gewürztraminer, especially dry, aromatic Alsatian styles, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw that Brandborg offers it as a Pét-Nat. The wine is perfect for spring, with notes of lilac, jasmine, pear, lychee, citrus, and herbs. Elkton, where the grapes were grown, has a cool climate, so aromatic grapes like Gewürztraminer grow well there, retaining aromas and acidity. The wine would be so nice with sashimi, sushi, or poke. Terry told a cute story about the first time they made the Pét-Nat. He hadn’t wanted to make sparkling wine, but Sue talked him into it. On Thanksgiving, the couple had friends and family visiting, and they had to drop everything to bottle the Pét-Nat, because the sugar numbers were just right, and it waits for no one. Thus, they call the wine “All Hands on Deck” to celebrate the community aspect of making it. It has won a lot of awards, by the way.

I also spoke to Steve and Paula Wilson about Cooper Ridge Vineyard’s 2023 Sparkling Peach Almond Cuvée. This wine is made with Riesling, Viognier, and Grüner Veltliner. They also make a still blend of the Cuvée, which is their best seller. Steve said that their customers regularly ask them for sparkling wines, especially ones that are a bit sweeter. The Sparkling Peach Almond is off-dry (a little sweet) and infused with natural peach and almond flavors. The bit of sweetness in the wine would make it a great pairing with spicy Thai or Mexican food, like Pad Kee Mao or Camarones a la Diabla.Cooper also makes a Pomegranate infused sparkling wine, along with a drier sparkling style of the Cuvée and a Syrah Rosé.

Last, I connected with Stephen and Susan Williams, of Trella Vineyards, and spoke to them about their 2024 Peony Sparkling Rosé. The wine is made with Malbec, which I am super interested in working with. The wine is light and dry, with subtle notes of strawberry, lime, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and a tart plum finish. It would pair well with smoked salmon, creamy cheeses, potato chips, or strawberry-rhubarb pie. Trella also makes a sparkling wine with Grüner Veltliner that they call Il Pavone, which means ‘the peacock.’ Stephen said they get a lot of requests for sparkling wine, and that it’s increasingly popular with younger consumers.

I really enjoyed getting to know these winery owners and write about their wines. I hope you enjoy reading about them and getting to know them too.