Aligoté, Beckham Estate Vineyard, Chehalem, Oregon 2023

Beckham Estate Vineyard, Andrew and Annedria Beckham, Chehalem

Thirty minutes south of Portland, winding roads lead to a hilltop in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains. With steeply pitched, dramatic panoramic views, Beckham Estate Vineyard is the culmination of the evolving vision and dedication of Andrew and Annedria Beckham. Upon moving in 2004 with the intent of building a ceramics studio, they became inspired by the local farming community and in 2005 began clearing and planting the property surrounding their home. While consciously leaving riparian zones for natural habitat and wildlife the Beckhams progressively expanded the vineyard to nearly half of their 34 acres including 6 grape varietals while also constructing a tasting room, winery, and fully functioning ceramics studio. We planted and farm Pinot Noir, Trousseau Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté,  Gamay Noir and a very small test block of Italian varietals. 

Beckham Estate is likely the only winery in the world where the production of the terra cotta vessels for fermenting and aging is on-site, and is integrated with the farming and production of the wines. 

Back in 2017 the Beckham's planted 3 rows of Aligote from a Burgundian clone called Aligote Dore- meaning Golden Aligote. For Andrew and Annedria this was the first step to diversify their vineyards and explore other varietals beyond Oregon's iconic Chardonnay's and Pinot's. The 2022 vintage is only the second rendition of this wine and one really begins to get an understanding as to where the journey is heading. 

This is such a lean and fresh example with a real lift of pear and stone fruit aromas. A bright acidity backed by a charming core of fruit. 

Grape: 100% Aligoté

Organic