Region: Columbia Gorge, Oregon, USA
Grapes: Dolcetto, Sangiovese
Body: Medium
Notes: Meyer lemon, wild strawberry, blood orange zest, wet stone minerality, subtle savory herbs, and a texturally rich, briny, bone-dry finish
Pairing: Grilled swordfish, wood-fired margherita pizza, prosciutto and melon, fresh oysters, or a summer lunch al fresco
Buona Notte Wines is a highly intentional, Italian-inspired estate project located in the dramatic Columbia Gorge AVA of Oregon, founded and operated by winemaker Graham Markel. After honing his craft for seven years under natural wine icons Maggie Harrison at Antica Terra and Nate Ready at Hiyu Wine Farm, Markel established his family-run operation to capture the unique microclimates of the Pacific Northwest through an old-world gastronomic lens. Operating with a philosophy that wine is inherently "driven by the glass but ruled by the belly," Buona Notte works exclusively with sustainably and organically farmed vineyards planted across the sun-soaked, volcanic slopes of the Gorge. In the cellar, Markel rejects modern industrial shortcuts, relying entirely on wild, native yeast fermentations and minimal inputs to craft raw, deeply authentic, and food-friendly natural wines that show off the structural capabilities of Italian varieties in Oregon.
The 2023 "Rosa" is a profoundly structured, texturally complex rosé that completely subverts the standard archetype of light, simple pink wines. Sourced from the volcanic soils of the Allegre Vineyard in the heart of the Hood River Valley, this unique cuvée utilizes an Italian-centric blend of Dolcetto and Sangiovese. To construct its deep hue and phenomenal tactile interest, Markel executes a meticulous, multi-tiered winemaking strategy in the cellar: a portion of the fruit is direct-pressed immediately for bright, high-toned acid drive, a second lot undergoes two days of skin maceration, and a final lot sees an extended four days of skin contact before a percentage of saignée Sangiovese is introduced. Co-fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged gracefully in neutral French oak barrels, this highly scannable vintage balances crunchy red orchard fruit with an electric, mouthwatering nerve and a long, savory, lip-smacking briny finish.
Region: Columbia Gorge, Oregon, USA
Grapes: Dolcetto, Sangiovese
Body: Medium
Notes: Meyer lemon, wild strawberry, blood orange zest, wet stone minerality, subtle savory herbs, and a texturally rich, briny, bone-dry finish
Pairing: Grilled swordfish, wood-fired margherita pizza, prosciutto and melon, fresh oysters, or a summer lunch al fresco
Buona Notte Wines is a highly intentional, Italian-inspired estate project located in the dramatic Columbia Gorge AVA of Oregon, founded and operated by winemaker Graham Markel. After honing his craft for seven years under natural wine icons Maggie Harrison at Antica Terra and Nate Ready at Hiyu Wine Farm, Markel established his family-run operation to capture the unique microclimates of the Pacific Northwest through an old-world gastronomic lens. Operating with a philosophy that wine is inherently "driven by the glass but ruled by the belly," Buona Notte works exclusively with sustainably and organically farmed vineyards planted across the sun-soaked, volcanic slopes of the Gorge. In the cellar, Markel rejects modern industrial shortcuts, relying entirely on wild, native yeast fermentations and minimal inputs to craft raw, deeply authentic, and food-friendly natural wines that show off the structural capabilities of Italian varieties in Oregon.
The 2023 "Rosa" is a profoundly structured, texturally complex rosé that completely subverts the standard archetype of light, simple pink wines. Sourced from the volcanic soils of the Allegre Vineyard in the heart of the Hood River Valley, this unique cuvée utilizes an Italian-centric blend of Dolcetto and Sangiovese. To construct its deep hue and phenomenal tactile interest, Markel executes a meticulous, multi-tiered winemaking strategy in the cellar: a portion of the fruit is direct-pressed immediately for bright, high-toned acid drive, a second lot undergoes two days of skin maceration, and a final lot sees an extended four days of skin contact before a percentage of saignée Sangiovese is introduced. Co-fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged gracefully in neutral French oak barrels, this highly scannable vintage balances crunchy red orchard fruit with an electric, mouthwatering nerve and a long, savory, lip-smacking briny finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.