Capturing the Essence of Our Soils
Exploring Willamette Valley Soils
In the heart of Oregon's wine country lies the Willamette Valley, renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. But what truly sets these wines apart? The answer lies beneath our feet – in the rich tapestry of soils that nurture the vines we grow and impart distinct flavors to the grapes.
A Geological Mosaic
Stretching from the Columbia River in the north to the Calapooya Mountains in the south, the Willamette Valley boasts a diverse array of soils, each with its own story to tell. At the forefront are the results of ancient geological events: volcanic eruptions, glacial movements, and the shifting courses of rivers. Over millennia, these forces have sculpted the landscape, leaving behind a patchwork of soils that vary in composition, texture, and drainage.
The Valley floor is an ancient seabed, layered with nutrient-rich gravel, silt, rock, and boulders brought by the formidable Missoula Floods that occurred during the Ice Age, between 15,000 and 18,000 years ago. Most vineyards in the Willamette Valley rise above 200 feet and are planted on volcanic, marine sedimentary, or wind-blown loess soil – benefiting from the most favorable grape-growing conditions.
The boulders set at the entrance of our Dundee Hills Estate are a continuous reminder of the rich geological history of the Willamette Valley. Join us in exploring the soil contrast between our two estate vineyards: our Iron Filbert Vineyard in the Dundee Hills and our Quartz Acorn Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton.
Journeying Through Terroir
For wine enthusiasts, understanding terroir – the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography – is essential to appreciating the nuances of each glass. At Domaine Roy & fils, the following soils play a starring role in shaping the character of our wines:
VOLCANIC
Commonly associated with the red hills of the Dundee AVA, Jory soil comes from weathered volcanic basalt that originated from the Colombia River more than 14 million years ago.
Jory's rich, well-drained, red volcanic soil is highly suitable for viticulture. Its distinctive red coloration and clay-loam texture provide rich mineral content, imparting depth and elegance to Pinot Noirs. Wines from the Dundee Hills classically exhibit notes of red fruit, earth, and baking spices and are carried by a linear acidity.
Our Iron Filbert Vineyard pays homage to the land's history as a former Filbert orchard and the iron-rich soils that define the region. To discover the nuances of Jory soils, we invite you to taste our Dundee Hills Incline Pinot Noir and Iron Filbert Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Marine Sedimentary
The Yamhill-Carlton AVA has the oldest soil and parent material in the Willamette Valley, with a mix of ancient marine sedimentary soils, including the Willakenzie series and Yamhill series.
Comprised of coarse-grained ancient marine sediments, these soils are typically well-drained, low-fertility soils ideal for growing high-quality wine grapes. The marine sedimentary soils contribute to the minerality and earthy characteristics often found in wines from this region, while the warmer mesoclimate of the region helps produce ripe, texturally driven wine with an abundance of spice and floral qualities layered onto dark fruit flavors.
Our Quartz Acorn Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA is nestled in soils rich with crystalline quartz, adding a distinctive mineral character to the wines. Here, the unique geology and surrounding oak savannah influence the flavor profile, resulting in wines with a pronounced sense of place and an expressive concentration of fruit and minerality. To explore the nuances of wines grown on these soils, we invite you to discover our Yamhill-Carlton Incline Pinot Noir and Quartz Acorn Vineyard Pinot Noir.
While both Yamhill-Carlton and Dundee Hills are renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noir wines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, their distinct soil compositions play a crucial role in shaping the unique flavor profiles and characteristics of wines originating from each AVA. Join us for a tasting experience, and let us tell the story of our vineyards as you sip and compare beautiful wines from our Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton estates.
Honoring Earth Day
As stewards of the land, we recognize the profound impact of our actions on the environment. Through sustainable organic farming practices, we strive to preserve the integrity of the soil and safeguard the biodiversity of the Willamette Valley for future generations. Learn more about our soil & soul here.
The soils of Willamette Valley are more than mere substrates for vines – they are storytellers, sharing tales of ancient geology and shaping the flavors and aromas of our wines. As we celebrate Earth Day, let us cherish these unique soils, ensuring that the legacy of terroir-driven winemaking persists for years to come.