Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (Eola-Amity Hills / Laurelwood District)
Grapes: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Fresh pear, white peach, pink grapefruit zest, jasmine blossoms, and subtle sea salt, with a vibrant, zesty acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, oysters on the half shell, Thai green curry, seared sea scallops, or goat cheese salads
The Producer
Maloof Wines is a dedicated, low-intervention natural winery run by husband-and-wife duo Ross and Bee Maloof in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Blending Ross’s background as a sommelier with Bee’s experience as a materials engineer, the couple crafts energetic, site-specific wines sourced from organically and sustainably farmed vineyards across Oregon. Operating out of the Helvetia area, Maloof is particularly famous for its focus on aromatic white varieties, skin-contact orange wines, and field blends. In the cellar, they work with a minimalist ethos: utilizing spontaneous wild yeast fermentations, neutral aging vessels, no industrial additives, and minimal added sulfur to produce pure, living expressions of Pacific Northwest terroir.
The Wine
"Fancy Free" is an effortlessly drinkable, vibrant white blend that highlights Maloof's knack for marrying aromatic intensity with bright Pacific Northwest energy. Combining Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay sourced from cool-climate Willamette Valley sites, the grapes are hand-harvested and vinified separately in neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks using native yeasts. By blending the floral lift and spice of Gewürztraminer and Riesling with the fresh orchard fruit structure of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, the wine achieves incredible harmony without heavy oak or high alcohol. The 2023 vintage bursts with freshness; it masterfully pairs a fragrant bouquet of white blossoms, orchard fruits, and citrus peel with a lip-smacking acidity, subtle leesy weight, and a crisp, saline finish.
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (Eola-Amity Hills / Laurelwood District)
Grapes: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Fresh pear, white peach, pink grapefruit zest, jasmine blossoms, and subtle sea salt, with a vibrant, zesty acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, oysters on the half shell, Thai green curry, seared sea scallops, or goat cheese salads
The Producer
Maloof Wines is a dedicated, low-intervention natural winery run by husband-and-wife duo Ross and Bee Maloof in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Blending Ross’s background as a sommelier with Bee’s experience as a materials engineer, the couple crafts energetic, site-specific wines sourced from organically and sustainably farmed vineyards across Oregon. Operating out of the Helvetia area, Maloof is particularly famous for its focus on aromatic white varieties, skin-contact orange wines, and field blends. In the cellar, they work with a minimalist ethos: utilizing spontaneous wild yeast fermentations, neutral aging vessels, no industrial additives, and minimal added sulfur to produce pure, living expressions of Pacific Northwest terroir.
The Wine
"Fancy Free" is an effortlessly drinkable, vibrant white blend that highlights Maloof's knack for marrying aromatic intensity with bright Pacific Northwest energy. Combining Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay sourced from cool-climate Willamette Valley sites, the grapes are hand-harvested and vinified separately in neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks using native yeasts. By blending the floral lift and spice of Gewürztraminer and Riesling with the fresh orchard fruit structure of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, the wine achieves incredible harmony without heavy oak or high alcohol. The 2023 vintage bursts with freshness; it masterfully pairs a fragrant bouquet of white blossoms, orchard fruits, and citrus peel with a lip-smacking acidity, subtle leesy weight, and a crisp, saline 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.