Hiyu Wine Farm

Aura - 2017 - Nate Ready

United States

READY Nate

A blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from vines farmed by permaculture, the 1.7-hectare parcel is entirely ungrafted and located in the heart of Hiyu Wine Farm, facing south, on a steep slope. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the yields kept low. The vinification changes for this cuvée with each vintage: in 2017, the Pinot Gris entered the vat for fermentation first, to be lightly crushed at the bottom until the juice covered the berries, then whole bunches of Pinot Noir were placed on top. The co-maceration of the two grape varieties lasted 8 days, followed by gentle pressing, 18 months of maturation in 350- and 400-litre barrels that have seen several wines. Neither fined, nor filtered, and no added sulphur.

Nate Ready and his wife China Tresemer founded Hiyu Wine Farm in 2010, a 12-hectare "reserve" in Oregon's Hood River Valley, which includes vineyards as well as a vegetable garden, animal pastures and forests. Guided by nature and inspired by the principles of biodynamics and permaculture, they cook with their own produce and seek to reveal the grandeur and diversity of their terroir through their wines. Nate is a Master Sommelier, China is a chef and artist, and together they have created a veritable miniature ecological paradise that is being lauded as a model of its kind. Even the wine labels are designed by China! An estate where ancient savoir-faire is being used to create something wonderfully new, and our relationship with the earth, food and wine is being completely reimagined… to be discovered ASAP!