Foris Pinot Gris, Rogue Valley, Oregon

The 2022 Foris Pinot Gris reflects the rugged elegance of Oregon’s Rogue Valley, where estate vineyards lie at 1,500 feet in the heart of the Illinois Valley within the Siskiyou Mountains. Benefiting from an alpine climate and the Gerber family’s four decades of expertise with Alsace varietals, this vintage captures the unique purity and vibrancy of its surroundings. The challenging growing season, marked by a late frost, a generous fruit set, and an accelerated ripening period in a warm autumn, yielded small clusters with exceptional flavor concentration.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: Pinot Gris
• Vineyard Elevation: 1,500 feet
• Harvest Dates: October 8–20, 2022
• Fermentation: Stainless steel, whole cluster pressed, cold settled, fermented to preserve fresh fruit character
• ABV: 13.9%
• pH: 3.27
• TA: 6.2 g/L
• RS: 0.6 g/L
• Cases Produced: 3,497
• Winemaker: Ted Gerber

Sensory Description:

Straw-hued in the glass, the 2022 Foris Pinot Gris opens with fragrant aromas of pear, honeysuckle, orange blossom honey, and white stone fruit. The palate is layered with ripe pear and zesty lemon notes, accented by delicate pith and a subtle mineral edge. Bright acidity lifts the enhanced mouthfeel and weight, carrying the flavors into a lingering, refreshing finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• Double Gold – 2022 Vintage, Sunset International Wine Competition (Awarded 2023)

Winemaker's Background:

Foris Vineyards was founded in 1974 by Ted Gerber, who saw the potential in the Illinois Valley despite its lack of grape-growing history and frost challenges. Through innovation and determination, he transformed land others dismissed into a thriving estate renowned for Pinot Noir and Alsace white varieties. As Oregon’s southernmost wine producer, Foris benefits from dramatic diurnal shifts that preserve fruit character and aromatic precision. Today, the winery’s portfolio is recognized nationally and internationally, a testament to its pioneering spirit and commitment to quality.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 45–50°F to highlight its fresh fruit and floral notes. This Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with grilled fish, soft cheeses, wurst, roasted potatoes, or light vegetable dishes. Its vibrant acidity and mineral edge make it equally suited for sipping on its own as an aperitif.

The 2022 Foris Pinot Gris is a finely tuned expression of high-elevation Oregon terroir, offering a balance of richness, freshness, and aromatic charm that speaks to the dedication behind every vintage.