Introduction to Heritage Oregon Pinot Noir Clones
Let’s delve into the rich history and unique character of Oregon Pinot Noir. In this guide, we’ll explore the heritage Oregon Pinot Noir clones grown at Knudsen Vineyards, the pioneering vineyards that introduced them to the Willamette Valley, and the traditions and techniques that continue to shape Oregon’s world-class wines.
What Is a Grape Clone?
A grape clone is a selection of a grapevine chosen for desirable characteristics. These traits may include growth habits, disease resistance, fruit quality, yield, or the flavor profile the grapes produce in wine.
The Pinot Noir clone selected for a vineyard—combined with its soils, microclimate, elevation, and vineyard management—plays an important role in determining the style and character of the finished wine.
The History of Heritage Oregon Pinot Noir Clones
The story of Oregon Pinot Noir begins during the 1960s and 1970s, when visionary pioneers including David Lett of The Eyrie Vineyards, Dick Erath of Erath Winery, and Cal Knudsen helped establish Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. These early vineyards were planted using carefully selected Pinot Noir clones imported from Burgundy, France.
As Oregon vineyards matured, winemakers identified the clones that consistently thrived within Oregon’s unique climate and volcanic soils. These selections eventually became known as heritage Oregon Pinot Noir clones, prized for producing wines with vibrant fruit, balanced acidity, elegant structure, and exceptional aging potential.
Today, these historic clones remain fundamental to Oregon winemaking, preserving the legacy established by the region’s founding vintners while continuing to define the distinctive character of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.
Dick Erath with Cal Knudsen at Knudsen Erath Winery during the 1970s.
Exploring the Heritage Pinot Noir Clones Grown at Knudsen Vineyards
Today, there are roughly 1,000 documented Pinot Noir clones throughout the world, although only a small percentage are commercially important. Knudsen Vineyards grows several of the most respected heritage Oregon Pinot Noir clones, each contributing its own personality to our wines.
Pommard Pinot Noir Clone
Known as a true “workhorse” clone, Pommard is valued for its versatility and ability to perform beautifully both on its own and in blends.
- Produces pure dark fruit flavors
- Often displays earthy, savory complexity
- Excellent balance of power and elegance
- Origin: Pommard, Burgundy
777 Pinot Noir Clone
Clone 777 produces compact clusters with small berries and naturally lower yields.
- Deep color from thick grape skins
- Structured tannins
- Complex black fruit character
- Origin: Dijon, Burgundy
4406 Pinot Noir Clone
Clone 4406 develops long, slender grape clusters with densely colored berries.
- Bright berry flavors
- Elegant spice notes
- Excellent balance between richness and finesse
667 Pinot Noir Clone
Very similar in appearance to Clone 777, Clone 667 typically produces wines with vibrant red fruit and refined tannin structure.
- Higher-toned red fruit
- Soft, approachable tannins
- Excellent blending component
115 Pinot Noir Clone
Clone 115 is celebrated for its floral aromatics and refined Burgundian style.
- Floral aromas
- Leather and spice notes
- Elegant structure
- Capable of producing exceptional single-clone wines
- Origin: Dijon, Burgundy
Selection and Propagation of Heritage Oregon Pinot Noir Clones
- Selection: Wine grape clones are selected and propagated through a careful process involving observation, evaluation, and strategic cultivation.
- Field Trials: Winemakers and viticulturists begin by identifying grapevines with desirable traits such as disease resistance, flavor profile, yield consistency, and adaptability to specific terroirs.
- Evaluation: Once potential clones are identified, they undergo field trials in different vineyard sites to assess their performance under varying conditions. During the growing seasons, the clones are closely monitored for grape quality, yield, ripening patterns, and resistance to pests and diseases. Tasting evaluations may also be conducted to assess flavor profiles.
- Propagation: Clones that demonstrate desirable characteristics and consistency over multiple seasons are selected for propagation. This involves taking cuttings or buds from selected vines and grafting them onto rootstocks, helping preserve genetic continuity and stability.
- Commercialization: Before widespread distribution, new clones may undergo additional testing and certification to confirm their identity, purity, and performance before being made available to vineyard owners and winemakers. They may then be sold through nurseries specializing in grapevine propagation and distribution.
Terroir Influence on Heritage Oregon Pinot Noir Clones
Terroir plays a significant role in shaping the characteristics of heritage Oregon Pinot Noir clones and, ultimately, the wines they produce. Several vineyard factors can influence how a clone performs and expresses itself.
- Climate: Oregon’s cool climate and distinct seasons are well suited to growing Pinot Noir. Different microclimates within the state, including the maritime influence of the Willamette Valley, can affect ripening and clone selection. Clones that ripen earlier or tolerate cooler conditions may be better suited to certain vineyard sites.
- Soil: Oregon’s diverse soil types, including volcanic, sedimentary, and alluvial soils, contribute to the structure and character of Pinot Noir. Certain clones may perform particularly well in specific soil types, influencing their expression in the finished wine.
- Topography and Aspect: Vineyard slope, elevation, and aspect—the direction a vineyard faces—also influence clone selection. Sun exposure, drainage, and temperature differences can affect grape ripening and flavor development.
Preserving Heritage Pinot Noir Clones for Future Generations
Heritage clones of Pinot Noir, like other valuable plant material, can be preserved through a variety of measures designed to protect their genetic integrity and continued availability.
- Vineyard Collections: Agricultural research centers, universities, and private vineyards may maintain collections of heritage clones. These collections preserve genetic diversity and allow researchers and viticulturists to continue studying and propagating important plant material.
- Nurseries and Propagation Programs: Licensed nurseries specializing in grapevine propagation play an important role in preserving heritage clones. By propagating and distributing certified plant material, they help ensure that clones remain true to their documented characteristics.
- International Collaboration: Collaboration among research institutions, vineyards, nurseries, and regulatory organizations can help safeguard important grapevine material through shared research, genetic resources, and sustainable propagation practices.
- Legal Protections: In some cases, plant variety rights, trademarks, patents, or other legal protections may be used to regulate the propagation and distribution of particular plant material.
Through careful preservation, propagation, and continued vineyard research, heritage Pinot Noir clones can remain available to future generations of growers and winemakers.
At Knudsen Vineyards, these heritage Oregon Pinot Noir clones are part of a much larger story—one that connects the early pioneers of Oregon wine with the vineyards and wines being cultivated in the Dundee Hills today.
