Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (Van Duzer Corridor AVA)
Grapes: Pinot Gris, Ribolla Gialla, Tocai Friulano, Chardonnay
Body: Medium to Full
Notes: Dried apricot, nectarine rind, ginger root, wild rosemary, black tea leaves, distinct textural skin tannins, and a crisp, energetic mineral finish
Pairing: Roasted pork belly, charcuterie boards, spicy Asian cuisine, grilled octopus, or earthy mushroom dishes
Maloof Wines is a prominent, husband-and-wife-run urban winery team based in Oregon's Willamette Valley, founded by Ross and Bee Maloof. Ross, a former sommelier from Philadelphia, and Bee, an aerospace engineer, combined their unique expertise to focus on highlighting often-overlooked or misunderstood white grape varieties. Sourcing exclusively from sustainably, organically, and biodynamically managed properties, the Maloofs prioritize soil health and ecological balance to allow the fruit to speak clearly. Their low-intervention cellar practices follow a strict hands-off philosophy, relying entirely on spontaneous fermentations, neutral vessels, and minimal additions to produce raw, texturally dynamic natural wines with high drinkability.
The 2022 "Scrambled Sticks" is a complex, masterfully engineered skin-contact orange wine inspired by the benchmark amber wines of Friuli, Italy. The fruit is sourced from the certified biodynamic Johan Vineyards, situated in the wind-swept Van Duzer Corridor AVA. To achieve its spectacular structure, the winemaking process splits the harvest into multiple experimental lots: the Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Gris, and Tocai Friulano undergo varying extended skin-contact macerations in both clay amphorae and neutral French oak barrels, while the Chardonnay is direct-pressed to add linear freshness. Bottled completely unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfur, the vintage shows off a striking copper-salmon color. The resulting palate expertly balances zippy, high-toned Willamette acidity with an intricate, savory matrix of exotic spices and structured, tea-like tannins.
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (Van Duzer Corridor AVA)
Grapes: Pinot Gris, Ribolla Gialla, Tocai Friulano, Chardonnay
Body: Medium to Full
Notes: Dried apricot, nectarine rind, ginger root, wild rosemary, black tea leaves, distinct textural skin tannins, and a crisp, energetic mineral finish
Pairing: Roasted pork belly, charcuterie boards, spicy Asian cuisine, grilled octopus, or earthy mushroom dishes
Maloof Wines is a prominent, husband-and-wife-run urban winery team based in Oregon's Willamette Valley, founded by Ross and Bee Maloof. Ross, a former sommelier from Philadelphia, and Bee, an aerospace engineer, combined their unique expertise to focus on highlighting often-overlooked or misunderstood white grape varieties. Sourcing exclusively from sustainably, organically, and biodynamically managed properties, the Maloofs prioritize soil health and ecological balance to allow the fruit to speak clearly. Their low-intervention cellar practices follow a strict hands-off philosophy, relying entirely on spontaneous fermentations, neutral vessels, and minimal additions to produce raw, texturally dynamic natural wines with high drinkability.
The 2022 "Scrambled Sticks" is a complex, masterfully engineered skin-contact orange wine inspired by the benchmark amber wines of Friuli, Italy. The fruit is sourced from the certified biodynamic Johan Vineyards, situated in the wind-swept Van Duzer Corridor AVA. To achieve its spectacular structure, the winemaking process splits the harvest into multiple experimental lots: the Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Gris, and Tocai Friulano undergo varying extended skin-contact macerations in both clay amphorae and neutral French oak barrels, while the Chardonnay is direct-pressed to add linear freshness. Bottled completely unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfur, the vintage shows off a striking copper-salmon color. The resulting palate expertly balances zippy, high-toned Willamette acidity with an intricate, savory matrix of exotic spices and structured, tea-like tannins.
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.