Wines Dundee Hills (Oregon) Kelley Fox Wines - Maresh Pinot Gris - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Kelley Fox Wines' 2021 Cuvée Maresh Pinot Gris is a rather distinctive offering from the esteemed Dundee Hills AVA, a sub-region within Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley. Despite Pinot Gris traditionally yielding white wines, Kelley Fox handles this grape with innovation, vinifying it as a red, which involves extended skin contact—a method resulting in a wine deeper in hue and complexity than its classical white counterpart. The 2021 vintage in Oregon benefitted from a temperate growing season, allowing Pinot Gris to develop crisp acidity and noteworthy aromatic definition, while the volcanic Jory soils of the Maresh vineyard impart a discernible minerality and vibrant red fruit character. The wine typically displays notes of wild strawberry, blood orange, rhubarb, and subtle floral undertones, with a finely textured palate and a dry, clean finish.

The Dundee Hills region is celebrated for its rolling elevations and unique, iron-rich red soils, which create an ideal environment for Pinot varieties. The climate is predominantly cool with significant marine influence, encouraging a gradual ripening process that preserves acidity and complexity in the wines. Historically, the area was among the first in Oregon to prove its potential for world-class Pinot wines, with a tradition rooted in small-scale, quality-focused production and respect for sustainable viticulture.

Such an idiosyncratic Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with foods reflecting both its structure and freshness. Try it with seared duck breast accompanied by red berry sauce, grilled salmon with a citrus glaze, or vegetarian options like roasted beet salad with goat cheese. For a local touch, consider wild mushroom risotto or Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab cakes. These dishes complement the wine’s lively acidity and subtle tannic grip, drawing out both its fruit and savoury nuances.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Pinot Gris at a slightly cool temperature—around 12-14°C. This allows its unique aromatics and texture to fully emerge without muting its expressive fruit character. Decanting for a brief period can also enhance its vibrancy and purity.