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

Viniou Reviews

Kelley Fox Wines 2021 Cuvée Maresh Vineyard Pinot Gris is a singular example of Oregon’s innovative approach to winemaking, particularly in the realm of orange wines. Crafted from 100% Pinot Gris grapes sourced from the esteemed Maresh Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA, this wine stands out due to its skin-contact vinification method, where the grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation to impart both colour and texture—a process that gives this “orange” wine its unique amber hue and expressive character. The 2021 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, bringing freshness and remarkable detail to the finished wine. Expect vibrant notes of orange peel, quince, stone fruit and a subtle backbone of savoury spice, with an appealing grip and structured acidity that carries the flavours through a lengthy finish.

The Dundee Hills region in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is celebrated for its volcanic Jory soils and gentle hillsides, which offer exceptional drainage and a cool but sunny climate ideally suited to Pinot varieties. The combination of cool Pacific breezes and the protective rain shadow of the Coast Range ensures a long, even ripening season that results in wines of great finesse and complexity. With a winemaking history dating back to the 1960s, this region continues to build a reputation for high-quality, expressive, and terroir-driven wines.

Pairing this skin-contact Pinot Gris unlocks a world of culinary possibilities. Its textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity allow it to complement an array of dishes. For a regional approach, consider grilled wild salmon or Oregon Dungeness crab served with fresh herbs. The wine also pairs beautifully with earthy mushroom risotto, spiced Moroccan tagine, aged cheeses, or roasted root vegetables, highlighting both the wine’s fruit and its savoury complexity.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Kelley Fox orange wine slightly chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Pour into a white wine or universal glass to appreciate both the aromatics and nuanced textures. Decanting for 30 minutes before serving can further open up its aromatic profile and complexity.