Wines Applegate Valley (Oregon) Seven of Hearts - Ice Prince Pinot Noir Sweet - 2019

Seven of Hearts’ “Cuvée Ice Prince Pinot Noir Sweet” 2019 is a distinctive and intriguing expression from Oregon’s Applegate Valley, in the north-western AVA region of the USA. Though Pinot Noir is cited as the grape variety, it’s important to note that, with sweet white wine styles, a range of vinification methods might be at play, such as late-harvest, botrytisation, or even icewine-style pressing. The wine is classified as a liquoreux, indicating a pronounced residual sugar and a rich, syrupy texture. Given its “Blanc” colour name, this appears to be a blanc de noirs – a white or golden-hued wine made from red grapes, where the skins have minimal contact with the juice, highlighting freshness and purity of fruit. Expect a bouquet combining orchard fruit compote, honeyed citrus, perhaps hints of wild berries, and delicate floral notes. The palate is likely to be lush yet balanced, with racy acidity offsetting the sweetness and leading to a lingering, elegant finish.

Applegate Valley, nestled in southern Oregon, enjoys a reputation for versatile grape growing thanks to its warm days, cool nights, and varied microclimates influenced by surrounding mountains and the Rogue River. The soils are typically a combination of granite, sandstone, and alluvial deposits, offering excellent drainage and intensity of flavour. Oregon’s wine history, though relatively young compared to European counterparts, is marked by a pioneering spirit, and regions like Applegate Valley have earned acclaim for producing high-quality, expressive wines, especially from Pinot Noir and other cool-climate varieties.

For food pairing, a wine of this nature shines alongside rich pâtés, blue cheeses such as Oregonzola, or creamy, nutty cow’s milk cheeses. Regional pairings might include Oregon hazelnut tart or a sumptuous pear frangipane. For a lighter touch, consider serving it with fresh summer fruit salads, or to contrast spicy dishes from Asian cuisine, as the wine’s sweetness provides a beautiful counterpoint to heat and aromatic complexity.

Serve well chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C, to emphasise freshness, balance the sweetness, and allow the layered aromas to shine through. A decanting period is not necessary, but allowing the glass to breathe can further release its aromatic potential.