The delicate nature of Oregon Pinot Noir requires a soft hand in the cellar. The clusters were 100% destemmed with a few select lots having small amounts of stems added back to the fermenter for phenolic augmentation. The must underwent an extended cold soak, ranging from five days to two weeks, and during fermentation both punch-down and pump-over techniques were utilized. We monitor the separate lots and tailor the extraction methods to the needs of each one. We find this style of reactive winemaking is the best way to coax the optimal terroir qualities from Pinot Noir, truly exemplifying the prime coastal vineyards from where it is sourced. The wine was aged for ten months in a mix of new and seasoned French oak and racked upon completion of malolactic fermentation.
2023 Rosé
For our Elouan Rosé, we bring together fruit from three distinct terrains along Oregon’s premiere Western vineyards. The diversity of these cool climate areas combined with an elongated growing season creates wine with intensity of fruit flavor, structure, and a fresh vibrant acidity. This is a bespoke rosé where grapes were grown and harvested with the specific intention of making rosé; and not a saignée rosé, which can be a by-product of making red wine. This wine should be enjoyed very well chilled. It is finished with a screwcap to preserve the crisp, clean aromas and tastes, and is a great choice for outdoor occasions: picnics, lunch on the patio, or enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.
2023 Chardonnay
While Chardonnay can grow in many different climates, it thrives in cool, temperate regions like Oregon. The name Elouan means ‘good light’, which is reflective of the typically cool summers with abundant sunshine found in this northern winegrowing region. The unique climate, diversity of soil types, and gentle sunlight’s influence on both canopy and fruit form the foundation of this wine’s character. In the cellar, we focused on whole-cluster light pressing of the grapes and cold settling. The wine was then barrel fermented in French oak, 50% new, for 14 months undergoing full malolactic fermentation.
2023 Reserve Pinot Noir
The Rogue basin was created when the Klamath Range pushed up against the cascades, followed by eras of erosion forming a deep fertile bowl surrounded by protective hills. This geologic feature paired with the cool, mediterranean climate yields a pinot noir with weight and elegance. At Elouan, we work to focus these discrete elements into a unique Oregon Reserve Pinot Noir.
2023 Reserve Chardonnay
Our Elouan Reserve Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed for a delicate extraction, then cold-settled for 36 hours. Native yeast fermentation takes place in 70% new French oak and 30% once-used French oak barrels. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and ages on fine lees for 14 months, with bi-weekly stirring to enhance texture and depth. Final blending focuses on showcasing the purity, richness, and coastal vibrancy of Oregon Chardonnay.