Alloro Vineyard
by
Kathy and Terry Sullivan
Summary: Alloro Vineyard is a delightful winery to visit where wine enthusiasts will discover estate grown wines. This small Mediterranean-style winery produces very enjoyable wines.
Alloro Vineyard, a small artisan winery, is a delightful winery to visit and taste wines. Centered amongst the vineyards and with aesthetic gardens, the winery creates the illusion of being in another country. A sense of peace is felt perhaps because the tasting room sits among the vines.
David Nemarnik had been exposed to the vineyard and winery culture early on. As a child he played on his great grandfather’s wine press. His family visited Italy and Croatia to see relatives, increasing his understanding of wine culture. As a result he decided to discover land in Oregon where he could create his own vineyard and winery.
Vineyard
Alloro Vineyard located in Willamette Valley is in the Chehalem Mountains AVA and on Laurel Ridge. For the ancients laurel meant immortality while today laurel is a peace symbol. Alloro is Italian for laurel. David is the vineyard manager. The winemaker is Tom Fitzpatrick. The vineyards, planted in 1999, are home to 28 acres of grapes. While the majority of vines are Pinot Noir, there are small amounts of Muscat, Riesling and Chardonnay. The winery uses half of the grapes produced, selling the rest to other wineries. At the time of an early March visit, cuttings from the recently pruned vines rested on the ground.
Winery and Tasting Room
Alloro Vineyard winery and tasting room is located in middle of acres of grapevines. Although the building was built in 2003, the style is similar to wineries that one might find in Italy. The winery was designed to produce 2,500 to 3,000 cases. This boutique size allows the owners, David Nemarnik micromanages everything from the vineyards through to the finished bottle.
The tasting room is small and friendly. A kitchen, located directly behind the tasting counter, provides a sense of home, peace and relaxation. A fireplace and table with caned chairs match the old-world feel of the place. Outside the tasting room, visitors can sit on a covered patio. The patio also has an outdoor fireplace to take the chill off of cooler temperatures. Chairs overlook the landscaped gardens and vineyards.
Tom gave a tour of the winery facility. He believes that wine is an expression of the place and time. Tom began working for Alloro Vineyard in 2010. His winemaking experiences spanned Washington, California, New Zealand, France and Oregon. He has now settled with his family on his own vineyard in the Dundee Hills. We discussed wine as Tom showed the stainless steel tank room where gleaming tanks lined the walls. Below a wine cave houses oak barrels aging wines.
Wines
In the winery, the winemaker is intent upon producing wines that reflect both the vineyard and the vintage. Chardonnay Fattoria 2009 was a straw color offering apple and pear notes on the aroma. The taste was fruity with a creamy mouthfeel. The crisp finish was fruity with a hint of butter on the aftertaste. Pinot Noir Fattoria 2009 was a light ruby. The aroma and taste had notes of light red fruit (cherries and raspberries) while the finish was crisp with cherry notes. Pinot Noir Estate 2009 was ruby with cherry and spice notes on the aroma. The taste had cherry with cloves and cocoa. Mild tannins were on the fruity finish. Pinot Noir Estate 2008 was ruby. The aroma and taste had notes of cherry and spices. The finish had cherry and spice nuances. Pinot Noir Estate 2007 was from the Church Block. This wine offered an aroma and taste of red fruit. The finish had mild tannins.
When visiting Alloro Vineyard, don’t be in a rush. Take your time and enjoy your experience.
Alloro Vineyard
22075 SW Lebeau Road
Sherwood, Oregon 97140
GPS: N45º 22.416’ W122º 54.605’
Support the following Oregon Wineries.
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| Civic Winery | King Estate | Sweet Cheeks Winery & Vineyard | |
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| Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyard | Youngberg Hill |
