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

Seven of Hearts' "Cuvée Ice Prince Pinot Noir Sweet" 2019 hails from the Applegate Valley, a recognised AVA within southern Oregon. While labelled as "Blanc," this intriguing wine appears to be a sweet, possibly late-harvest or ice wine style blanc made from Pinot Noir grapes. Such a process often involves harvesting grapes at their peak ripeness, or even after a freeze, resulting in a concentrated, luscious nectar with honeyed sweetness balanced by the Pinot Noir's naturally bright acidity. The 2019 vintage, with a generally temperate growing season in Oregon, likely offered optimal conditions for developing nuanced aromatic complexity and preserving the grape's fresh character. The winemaking approach for a sweet white Pinot Noir like this usually focuses on gentle pressing and cool fermentation, highlighting delicate fruit aromatics and maintaining purity.

Applegate Valley, part of the larger Rogue Valley AVA, is celebrated for its diverse microclimates and varied soils, including granitic and alluvial compositions. This region enjoys a relatively warm and dry climate compared to much of Oregon, but cool nights help retain thrilling acidity in the grapes. The area's history is shaped by early pioneer plantings in the 19th century and a recent renaissance focused on both classic and innovative expressions. Its landscape, bordered by forested hills and riverbanks, lends itself particularly well to nuanced styles—especially those that value both richness and freshness.

For food pairings, the luscious sweetness and refreshing acidity of this wine make it a superb companion to a variety of indulgent desserts such as apple tart, lemon posset, or even a classic Oregon marionberry cobbler. It will also pair beautifully with blue cheeses, foie gras, or simply alongside a platter of nuts and dried fruits.

To fully appreciate its aromatic profile and balance, serve this sweet wine well-chilled, ideally between 6-8°C. This temperature will showcase the finesse and enhance both its freshness and lingering richness, making it a delightful treat for a special moment or to end a meal in style.