Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the artistry of the 2021 Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir, an elegant testament to Oregon's Willamette Valley winemaking excellence. Crafted from sustainably farmed vineyards, this wine blends fruit from the Lingua Franca Estate and neighboring Eola-Amity Hills sites, where diverse soils like Gelderman, Jory, and Nekia contribute to its complexity. With aromas of red and black cherry, tea, rose petal, and savory-mineral undertones, it delivers a multilayered palate that finishes with a velvety plum texture. Fermented with 18% whole clusters and aged in French oak, this Pinot Noir captures freshness, structure, and finesse, earning prestigious acclaim for its purity and depth. Perfect for lovers of vibrant, expressive wines.
Process & Profile
Crafted in the prestigious Willamette Valley, the Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir epitomizes Oregon winemaking at its finest. Co-founded by wine legends Larry Stone and Dominique Lafon, Lingua Franca employs organic and sustainable farming practices on its Eola-Amity Hills vineyard. The terroir, characterized by east-facing slopes, fractured basalt soils, and diverse microclimates, lends this wine its unique complexity. The 2021 vintage, shaped by a challenging but ultimately balanced growing season, showcases resilience and the interplay of Gelderman, Jory, and Nekia soils. Fermented with 18% whole clusters and aged in French oak barrels (16% new) for 12 months, this wine radiates focus, harmony, and sophistication.Tasting Notes
The Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir 2021 greets the palate with layers of red and black cherry, intertwined with rose petals, black tea, and subtle savory undertones. Notes of minerality and forest floor add depth, while a hint of plum provides a silky, round finish. A medium-bodied wine with bright acidity and velvety tannins, it strikes a perfect balance between complexity and approachability. The nuanced flavors evolve gracefully over time, making it a dynamic choice either now or with cellaring.What Makes It Special
This wine stands out for its meticulous craftsmanship. Over 70% of the fruit is sourced from the Lingua Franca Estate, with the balance coming from select high-quality neighboring vineyards, ensuring a broad spectrum of flavors. The 2021 vintage benefits from non-irrigated vines rooted in basalt-rich soils, which retain moisture and foster remarkable resilience under extreme weather conditions. Moreover, the influence of winemaker Thomas Savre, with expertise drawn from Burgundy, is evident in the finesse and terroir-driven expression of this Pinot Noir. It's a textbook representation of Oregon's ability to parallel the elegance of Burgundian wines.How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir, serve it slightly chilled at 55–60°F. This wine pairs beautifully with roasted duck, smoked salmon, grilled poultry, and earthier dishes like mushroom risotto. Its vibrant acidity and complex layers make it an excellent companion to diverse cuisines, from creamy pastas to lightly spiced dishes. For an elevated experience, consider decanting for 30 minutes to let the wine's intricate flavors unfold. Whether savored on its own or with food, this Pinot Noir is a true celebration of the Willamette Valley's artistry in winemaking.Frequently Asked Questions
What flavors and aromas can I expect from the Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir?
This wine offers a combination of dynamic and precise flavors. You can expect expressive notes of raspberry, guava, crushed stone, and forest floor, along with dusky spices. The palate is complemented by fine-grained tannins, delivering a rich, savory experience layered with cherry, dried lavender, and smoky clove.
What makes the Willamette Valley a special region for Pinot Noir production?
The Willamette Valley's climate features warm summers, cool evenings, and a long growing season, which are ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The region is also known for its volcanic soils, which contribute to the distinct minerality and complexity of the wines. The valley's terroir emphasizes elegance, high acidity, and a refined earthiness in its Pinot Noir wines.
How should I serve and enjoy Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir?
Serve this Pinot Noir slightly chilled, at around 55–60°F (13–15°C). It pairs wonderfully with dishes like roasted chicken, wild mushrooms, salmon, pork, or creamy cheeses. Decanting this wine for an hour prior to serving will help it open up, releasing more vibrant aromas and flavors.
What is the aging potential of the Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir?
This wine shows great aging potential. It can be enjoyed now or cellared to develop more complexity over time. The 2022 vintage, for example, can be enjoyed through 2033, depending on personal preferences for youthful vibrancy versus evolved, nuanced flavors.
What's unique about Lingua Franca as a winery?
Lingua Franca takes a meticulous approach to winemaking, focusing on organic and regenerative farming practices. The vineyards are situated on east-facing slopes in the Eola-Amity Hills, allowing for optimal ripeness and balance. The winery emphasizes small-batch fermentation and aging techniques to capture the distinctive character of its terroir. Their team includes renowned figures like Larry Stone and Dominique Lafon, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship in every bottle.
What alcohol content does this wine have?
The Lingua Franca Avni Pinot Noir has an alcohol content of approximately 13%, balancing the wine's structure and acidity without overpowering the delicate flavors.
What are the primary farming and production methods used for this wine?
The grapes are organically farmed, hand-harvested, and fermented in small batches with minimal intervention. The winemaking process includes spontaneous fermentation with a small percentage of whole clusters and aging in French oak barrels (16% new oak) for 12 months, followed by additional time in the tank before bottling. This approach enhances the wine's complexity and texture.
What sets the 2022 vintage apart?
The 2022 vintage reflects the Eola-Amity Hills' volcanic soils, bringing vibrancy, minerality, and a savory lift to the wine. This vintage combines fruit from Lingua Franca's estate and select neighboring vineyards, delivering layered complexity with notes of cherry, smoky clove, and raspberry leaf.
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