Beaujolais Nouveau in Portland, Oregon? Well, I don’t mind if I do!
Gamay is Awesome. That's why Love & Squalor Gamay Noir (and the fabulous Corey Schuster) will be at the wonderful annual soirée hosted by ST. JACK restaurant & bar on November 16th.
Visit stjackpdx.com to get your tickets
Here’s the link to the Facebook Event page
We are in full swing here at the winery, but that doesn't mean we can't get you the wine you need for your holiday plans. We'll be sending out our next round of wine club boxes the second week in November. Don't miss out! JOIN US and have some delicious wine to share with friends and family before the Holidays get started.
Matt was recently interviewed by Paul Gregutt of the Wine Enthusiast for an article about the sommeliers' darling — Oregon Riesling. To celebrate all our Rieslings will be 20% off on the website until the end of September. CHEERS!
In recent decades, Oregon has gained global recognition as a leader in Pinot Noir. But such laser focus comes at a price—many wine drinkers don’t realize that Oregon grows about as many different types of grapes as Washington and California.
One standout that flies under the radar is Oregon Riesling.
It’s true that Washington is home to the world’s largest Riesling producer by volume, Chateau Ste. Michelle. California winemakers have scored successes at both the dry and sweet ends of the scale, and British Columbia has been producing some crystalline and racy examples. However, Oregon’s many Riesling specialists offer more diversity, value and quality than anywhere on the West Coast.
“People didn’t know what to make of it. Perhaps they had Blue Nun in their youth, and as their tastes grew, they shied away from all Riesling.” —Terry Brandborg, Brandborg Vineyard & Winery
Old vines have been key to the state’s current success. Oregon’s Pinot pioneers often planted Riesling as well to keep up cash flow as their red wines aged. Matt Berson of Love & Squalor calls these early efforts “overcropped, one-note plonk.” That’s a bit harsh, but there’s some truth to it.
Nonetheless, we should thank those accidental Riesling pioneers. Old-vine examples seem to show more nuanced scents and flavors, as is true with old-vine Pinot Noir.
“I find that the older-vine Riesling tends toward a more natural balance, and there is no doubt that those deep roots pull some really precise and delineated flavors,” says Berson.
Then there is terroir. Oregon’s Riesling vines are scattered from the deep southwest corner of the state up to the northern edge of the Willamette Valley. Soils vary significantly, but what distinguishes them is the maritime influence that avoids the baking desert heat of eastern Washington. Many vines are also dry-farmed, which pushes roots deeper.
Given their explorations of clonal selections for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it’s no surprise that Oregon’s winemakers are also doing the same for Riesling.
Trisaetum’s James Frey says the state’s Riesling plantings were dominated by two German clones: Clone 9 from Rheingau and Clone 12 from Pfalz. He credits Chehalem’s Harry Peterson-Nedry for his experimentation with new clones.
Frey currently grafts new Riesling clones from the Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz and Alsace in his Coast Range and Ribbon Ridge vineyards.
Single-vineyard cuvées, native yeast ferments and experiments with concrete eggs also contribute to the region’s amazing diversity. Trisaetum produces up to 10 Rieslings each year, while Janie Heuck at Brooks made 20 in 2016, mostly single-vineyard cuvées.
“The goal is to show differences in wine characteristics due to vine age, soil type, aspect and elevation,” says Heuck.
Oregon wines can age quite well. The better Pinots can often go 20 years, and Oregon Chardonnays can even outperform Burgundies. Riesling is a grape born to age, and winemakers seek to prolong the drinking window of their bottlings.
The first vintage of Brooks Riesling was 1998, and it still drinks young, says Heuck. Brandborg’s first Oregon vintage was 2002, and, he says it’s drinking beautifully right now.
Bill Hooper, of Weinbau Paetra, learned winemaking in Germany, and he uses that experience as a model for his work. Berson points to the acid structure of the wines, which “provides a scaffolding (like tannins in a red) to hang the fruit and all other flavors from. As the wine ages, the sharp edges smooth and allow the complexity of secondary and tertiary notes to shine through.”
Based on his German training, Hooper says, “At around 15 years, Riesling [vines] really starts to establish itself in a way where terroir expression and the overcoming of extreme weather conditions is achieved. Many German producers will wait until this time to declare single-vineyard wines.”
Despite its quality and value, Riesling remains a minor player in Oregon, with just 724 planted acres as of 2015, half in the Willamette Valley. But as producers like Brandborg, Brooks, Chehalem, Love & Squalor, Paetra, Trisaetum and others squeeze the best out of their grapes, it’s arguably the most versatile and exceptional white wine in the state.
http://www.winemag.com/2017/08/21/oregon-riesling-is-the-best-in-the-west/
Around here every month is #oregonwinemonth, but since our friends are celebrating, we are too! Come cling a glass at us at these upcoming events:
MAY 1ST
I LOVE GAMAY
http://bit.ly/2pxceW4
It’s time to give Oregon GaMay Noir its due. I Love Gamay wine festival is a first of its kind event that brings together adventurous wine lovers and Oregon Gamay producers for a great excuse to throw a party celebrating our favorite under-the-radar varietal.
Ned Ludd & Elder Hall play host to two days of events that lets you get to know Oregon Gamay including an all Oregon Gamay tasting salon on day one and a multi-course dinner featuring legendary Portland chefs, Jason French and Cathy Whims with some storied local wine veterans on day two. Local producers and wine experts will be on hand to offer up their knowledge on this lesser known gem. Yes, Oregon Pinot Noir has earned its place in wine history, but we want to blow the lid off Oregon’s other noir rouge grape!
MAY 7TH
LOVE & SQUALOR DOCK SALE
1pm - 4pm
OUR WAREHOUSE
Portland Wine Building
306 SE Ash Street Portland, Oregon
We are holding a Dock Sale Wiener Roast All Love & Squalor wines will be available at 15-20% markdown. You must purchase at least 12 bottles (one case) according to OLCC regulations.
Friends With Benefits Club members will receive an additional 15% off of that low low price. This is a one-time deal available on the day of the event only. We will have some special library wines and larger format bottles available, along with all of our usual releases.
And yes, there will be hot dogs. Bring your friends.
MAY 10TH
NOBLE ROT'S 15TH ANNIVERSARY
3pm for a 3-hour extra-happy hour until close
1111 EAST Burnside
Portland, Oregon 97214
A Party 15 Years in the Making
5, 10, 15 Years of Noble RotSince 2002, Noble Rot has been pouring amazing wines, shaking superb cocktails, serving delicious dishes, and offering amazing views of Portland.
$5 / $10 / $15 Specials
Guest Winemakers / Bartenders
Live music starting at 8:30 pm
Garden tours ’till sunset
Reservations Recommended,
Call at 503-233-1999
“Pope Francis Declares Wine is a Necessity”* and we couldn’t agree more. To celebrate the Pope’s infinite wisdom (and his ability to state the obvious), we are holding a Dock Sale Wiener Roast All Love & Squalor wines will be available at 15-20% markdown.
You must purchase at least 12 bottles (one case) according to OLCC regulations.
Friends With Benefits Club members will receive an additional 15% off of that low low price. This is a one-time deal available on the day of the event only. We will have some special library wines and larger format bottles available, along with all of our usual releases.
And yes, there will be hot dogs. Bring your friends.
May 7, 2013
1pm - 4pm
OUR WAREHOUSE
Portland Wine Building
306 SE Ash Street Portland, Oregon
*His exact words were, “Water is needed to live, but wine expresses the abundance of the banquet and the joy of the celebration . . . (Love & Squalor) Wine is necessary for the celebration.”
Join our wine club: here
2014 Wings of Desire Cuddihy Vineyard Field Blend
This bottling is sourced from the old experimental block at Richard Cuddihy’s eponymous Yamhill vineyard. A co-fermented blend of 8 different grape types all planted next to each other in 1971. This barrel-aged richer styled white is a testament to the hardscrabble early days of Oregon viticulture and to magical accidents. 60 cases produced $30
2014 Sunnyside Vineyard Riesling
This Riesling is a citrusy, apple-y, stone-y and herbal dry Riesling sourced from my favorite Willamette Valley site for the varietal. If you are already a fan of my Riesling, this should deepen your appreciation. If you’re not quite sure, then this is the one to win you over. 25 cases produced $48
2014 Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
This wine is bolder than my usual Pinots, it nonetheless has a signature grace typical of this storied Eola-Amity vineyard. I have been fortunate to work with Temperance Hill Vineyard fruit since 2007. To cut your teeth on an Oregon “Grand Cru” is a great way to learn winemaking. There are so many respected winemakers who make amazing wines from Temperance, I guess it’s time to throw my hat into the ring. 25 cases $58.
Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 90pts read more here
2014 Sunny Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir
Not to be confused with the Sunnyside Vineyard from above of course, I have been seeking fruit from this Southern Willamette site ever since my assistant winemaker days at Brooks. We had some in the fermentation hall there, and it was always my favorite to do punchdowns on. The exotic aromatics of spice and leather were and are seductive and the wine in barrel has power and grip like no other site I’ve had the pleasure to work with. 25 cases $58
These wines are very limited and may or may not ever be bottled again. So enjoy them while they are around. And to celebrate their release with us - enjoy them at a discount . . .
Buy the wine here
Here is an interview about these Single Vineyard wines
We only have a few cases left of our top rated wine and are only selling direct from our site.
buy it here
A sensational value, this is a Pinot lover's wine, beginning with the gorgeous color of a deep red/orange sunset. Cherries, chocolate, and a light touch of orange peel elevate the aromatics and inform the well-integrated midpalate. The wine lingers gracefully through an immaculate finish.
You can buy the wine online here (click)
The article can be seen here: http://www.winemag.com/toplists/top-100-wines-2016/
Great Northwest Wines review of Love & Squalor 2015 A Frayed Knot Rosé of Gewürztraminer, Willamette Valley
One of the leaders of Portland’s urban wine scene, Matt Berson, finally has answered the pleas of his peeps and given them a rosé — and he chose 30-year-old Gewürztraminer from prized Sunnyside Vineyard near Oregon’s state capital. Foot-pressed fruit grown by Lucille Wisniewski and Tom Owens produces an intriguing pink that could at first look be mistaken for a Pinot Gris rosé where it not for the tropical nose of lychee, rosewater and kiwi with peach pie and honey. That exotic blend of fruit makes it way to the palate with a dry approach, picking up hints of strawberry and peach skin with a lingering finish that blends pink grapefruit with tangerine. That he tagged this #orangeisthenewrosé bodes well for a 2016 version.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 110 cases
Alcohol: 13%
By Great Northwest Wine on October 1, 201
Great Northwest Wines latest review on our Love & Squalor 2012 Ansty Pants Riesling, Willamette Valley
You can see it here: http://www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2016/10/18/love-squalor-2012-antsy-pants-riesling-willamette-valley-28/
The Portland Wine Company’s reserve-style dry Riesling continues to focus on four-decade-old Brooks Vineyard in the cooler Eola-Amity Hills, but this vintage debuts an inclusion from Sunnyside Vineyard, an even older site planted in 1971. Matt Berson’s expression from the 2012 vintage continues with the residual sugar at (0.6%), and here there’s a great presentation of acidity. Rich aromas of baked pear with cinnamon, peach pie, apricot glacéed and jasmine lead to luscious flavors of ripe white peach and dried pineapple. It’s fruity, yet capped with a touch of slate for a food-friendly finish.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 59 cases
Alcohol: 11%
By Great Northwest Wine on October 18, 2016
Guess who is in the top 50 wines chosen by Portland Monthly Magazine— Check out #33!
hint: Love & Squalor Riesling
http://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2016/9/13/oregon-s-50-best-wines
33. Love & Squalor
2013 Riesling.
Willamette Valley, $20
Grapefruit zest and crabapple. Mouth-watering acidity that makes your mouth pop. Earthy. Textural and aggressive. Pair with: choucroute garnie
Love & Squalor will be poured at an event this Thursday evening 9/21 at the new Iron Fireman Building. You can get tickets here:
Iron fireman event
Great Northwest Wines gave our Love & Squalor 2013 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley a wonderful review.
You can see it here: http://www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2016/09/08/love-squalor-2013-pinot-noir-willamette-valley-28/
"This vintage marks the 10th anniversary of Matt Berson’s introduction to winemaking, and his flagship wine from this rain-interrupted season illustrates a blend of nearly equal contributions from eight vineyards – led by Dundee Hills sites Winter’s Hill and Vista Hills. The choice of essentially all neutral French oak at his McMinnville winery allows for a Pinot Noir to reveal itself as a cherry bomb with secondary aromas of strawberry, plum juice and fresh fig with a pinch of herbs and shaving of dark chocolate. As a drink, it’s eminently approachable with Bing cherry and raspberry flavors that offer ripeness rather than sweetness. That feeds into a smooth and round structure capped by orange zest, Earl Grey tea and cocoa."
Rating: Excellent
Production: 1,100 cases
Alcohol: 12.9%
By Great Northwest Wine on September 8, 2016
We just printed new labels for our upcoming single vineyard bottling. We will be bottling a Sunnyside Vineyard 2014 Riesling, a Sunny Mountain 2014 Pinot Noir and a Temperance Hill 2014 Pinot Noir. We are only bottling 25 cases of each to be released with our Club Membership shipments this Fall. What's left over will be available on our site for purchase. Join our Wine Club by emailing us to get in on the fun!
LANCE SPARKS from the Eugene Weekly recently had nice things to say about our Love and Squalor 2015 Rosé of Gewurztraminer.
Fine winemaking is on display here...
— Paul Gregutt Wine Enthusiast June 2016
love & squalor WV Riesling 2013 - 93 Points - Editor's Choice
This packs tremendous flavor into a low-alcohol wine with moderate residual sugar. Peach pit and juice, green apple and citrusy acids start it off. The flavors keep going through a long, complex finish, adding subtle notes of herb and cut grass.
love & squalor Antsy Pants Riesling 2011 - 92 Points
Ignore the silly name and focus on the important particulars—old vine (planted 1976), wild yeast, biodynamic farming. Absolutely bone-dry yet bursting with complex minerality, citrus rind, and penetrating acidity, it has phenolics that give length, breadth and detail.
love & squalor WV Pinot Noir 2012 - 91 Points - Editor's Choice
Fine winemaking is on display here, as the blend includes grapes from six far-flung vineyards. It’s artfully melded, with brambly berries, Bing cherries, cola, cocoa and red licorice notes. Seamless and buttressed with natural acids, it’s not at all reliant on barrel flavors, having seen just 6% once-filled oak, with the rest neutral.
love & squalor Antsy Pants Pinot Noir 2011 - 91 Points
The proprietary name indicates that this is the winemaker’s reserve cuvée, a three-barrel selection mixing equal proportions of grapes from the Eola Hills, Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge AVAs. It’s austere, tight and yet authoritative, showing compact wild berry fruit, Mediterranean herbs and a slight saltiness. It’s best to cellar it until 2020, or give it a good long decant.
Thanks Mr. Gregut
source: http://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/love-squalor-2013-pinot-noir-willamette-valley
SEPT 4th Sunday
1pm to 6pm
Teutonice Wine Company
3303 SE 20th Ave. Portland, OR 97202
Teutonic Wine Company has invited Love & Squalor as their guest winery. This weekend we will be serving BBQ Oysters and lots of L&S wines. Come join us, see Matt at the BBQ and comment on his shucking skillz! No RSVP necessary. We'll be serving food until the food runs out. More info here: https://teutonicwines.com/event/bbq-oysters-with-matt-berson-of-love-squalor/
From Wine & Spirits Magazine August 2016
Riesling Resurgent
by David Schildknecht
pg 47. "...That Seestedt’s Sunnyside success isn’t some winemaking tour de force is demonstrated not only by his familiar claim to have done as little “making” as possible, but also by the equally vibrant and infectiously juicy 2014 Sunnyside Riesling crafted by Seestedt protégé and former restaurant manager Matt Berson under his Love & Squalor label. Berson, who also works adeptly with the fruit of Richard Cuddihy’s 1971 planting, ferments and raises multiple tiny lots according to di ering protocols, one possible explanation for the satisfying complexity of his results. Another intriguing piece of the Sunnyside puzzle—assuming you’re puzzled that riesling this good comes from a place of which few riesling-lovers have heard—is that the vines are trained with so-called Pendelbogen arches, a method that promotes sap distribution and efficient picking, as well as depresses must weights, which might nowadays be advantageous."
The article can be downloaded here
COME BUY WINE (and salt and honey and candy—oh my!) We are pouring our wines at Jacobsen Salt on Saturday November 28, 2015 at 11-3pm: http://bit.ly/1OgPsa8 #jacobsensalt
Come glory at the wonderous tall hair and taste all the L&S wines - including the new Antsy Pants Riesling and the 2015 Premier Gamay Nouveau. The Jacobsen Salt and Bee Local retail shop is hosting L&S for this awesome Small Business Saturday in SE PDX.
And, for an extra $5, you'll get a 3-course, Jacobsen Salt Co. and Bee Local inspired amuse bouche menu to go with our wines.
Jacobsen Salt Retail Store is at 602 SE Salmon Street in Portland, Ore.
Corks & Forks
June 11th
Castaway
Portland OR
L&S White Wine Dinner
June 29th
Irving Street Kitchen
Portland OR
wines paired with dinner by the amazing Chef Sarah Schafer
Uncommon Wine Festival
July 12th
Vista Hills Vineyard
Dayton OR
International Pinot Noir Celebration
July 24th-26th
Linfield Campus
McMinnville OR
Plate & Pitchfork
August 15th
Sun Gold Farms
Forest Grove OR
with Chef David Sapp and Scott Dolich of Park Kitchen
Feast Portland
September 18th & 19th
Various Locations
Portland OR
