Nestled in the heart of southern Oregon's Umpqua Valley, Daggett Wine róliés is a boutique winery synonymous with crafting premier Pinot Noir. Established in 1994, the winery is a family affair helmed by husband-and-wife team, John and Christy Daggett, who have dedicated over two decades to perfecting their art.
Daggett's bespoke approach to winemaking focuses on minimizing intervention and letting the purity of the grape express itself. The cool-climate Umpqua Valley, with its volcanic soils and temperature moderating influences from the nearby Pacific Ocean, provides an idyllic terroir for cultivating Pinot Noir. This results in wines that are elegant, supple, and representative of their unique origin.
The Pursuit of Flavor: Understanding Daggett's Winemaking Approach
The Daggetts believe in farming their vineyards for quality, not quantity. Each vine is meticulously tended, with yields kept low to ensure maximum flavor concentration in the grapes. This hands-on approach in the vineyard is carried through to the winery, where Dijon clones are fermented separately in small lots.
To coax out the best expression of the fruit, the winemaking process is gentle and natural. Native yeast fermentation, minimal sulfur additions, and aging in French oak barrels that are 30% new all contribute to the refined, balanced style of Daggett's Pinot Noir.
Vineyard Site Selection & Clone Variety
The Daggetts carefully selected vineyard sites across the Umpqua Valley, each chosen for its unique microclimate and soil type. These diverse sites include Hyland Vineyard, with its deep, red volcanic clay, and Melrose Knoll, famed for its iron-rich, ancient ocean floor sediments. The wines from each vineyard display distinct personalities, reflecting their terroir.
Daggett also works with a variety of Pinot Noir clones, such as Dijon 115, 667, and 777, and the classic Pommard clone. Each clone brings its own characteristics to the blend, resulting in a finished wine that's complex, intriguing, and testament to the skill of its makers.
Sustainable Practices in the Vineyard and Winery
Daggett's commitment to quality extends beyond the vineyards and winery. The family is deeply conscious of their environmental impact and employs sustainable practices throughout. In the vineyards, this means minimizing soil disturbance, using cover crops, and practicing integrated pest management. In the winery, it translates to recycling waste, conserving water, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.
The winery is also certified sustainable by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon-Safe, ensuring that their practices not only protect the environment but also promote the health of local ecosystems.
Indulging in Daggett's Pinot Noir: An Exploration of Their Portfolio
Daggett produces several Pinot Noir expressions, each offering a unique taste of the Umpqua Valley. These range from their approachable Estate Pinot Noir, to their reserve-level Melrose Knoll Pinot Noir, and the complex, age-worthy Hyland Vineyard Pinot Noir.
In addition to their vineyard-designated wines, Daggett also offers a "L Ethiopiani" Pinot Noir, a blend that highlights the diversity of their vineyard sites. The name, derived from the historic French term for the Umpqua, pays homage to the winery's heritage and the unique winegrowing region they call home.
Pairing Daggett Pinot Noir: Food and Wine Harmony
Given its elegant structure and vibrant acidity, Daggett Pinot Noir pairs exceptionally well with a variety of cuisines. From classic salmon dishes to hearty game meats, the wines' diverse flavors and textures make them versatile companions at the dinner table.
For optimal enjoyment, serve Daggett Pinot Noir at a cool, cellar temperature (60-65°F or 15-18°C). This allows the wine's complex aromas and flavors to fully unfold, enhancing your tasting experience.
Visiting Daggett Winery offers a chance to taste these exceptional Pinot Noirs in the very place they're crafted. In a picturesque setting amid the vineyards, the tasting room serves as a testament to the Daggetts' passion for their craft and their love for the land. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply appreciating a well-crafted wine, Daggett Pinot Noir promises an unforgettable sensory journey.