Coquina Erratic Oaks Vineyard Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2021

As the saying goes, “the best wines we drink are the ones we drink with friends.” For the women behind Coquina, it applies not only to the wine they’re drinking but, more importantly, to the wines they are making. The pair met in 2014 while working in production at Kosta Browne Winery and quickly bonded over their Floridian upbringings and unusual paths to the world of wine. As their friendship blossomed, they unearthed many shared values and philosophies, not only for winemaking but also for life. Simultaneously, the far-off dream of creating their wine label crept closer. For Dana Benn and Nicole Staples, it’s all about balance: seeking the equilibrium between winemaker and vineyard, how much to intervene versus how much to let Mother Nature take the wheel. And Coquina is not only an expression of their winemaking style but their desire to find the center in life between hard work and pleasure. Their diligence in the cellar translates to a delicious wine designed to enjoy now.  

Kosta Browne was the first winery where Dana and Nicole cut their teeth and learned all things wine production as a Production Assistant and Lab Assistant, respectively. After spending four years with Kosta Browne, the two crossed the Mayacamas to Napa Valley and joined the team at Realm Cellars. Their roles at Realm as Cellar Master and Enologist represented winemaking from two key viewpoints and each position required a mind meant for details and multi-tasking.  And the two loved refining the wines and their processes in tandem. Yet, they kept dreaming of creating a brand and finding more time to enjoy life outside work. Then, on a fateful trip to the Willamette Valley, they discovered a vineyard worth leaping for.  

Erratic Oaks Vineyard lies in the middle of Willamette Valley in Oregon’s northwest corner. The property extends over 200 acres at the eastern base of the Coastal Mountain range. Most 16-year-old vine plantings are of the region’s favored varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but a small portion is Riesling and Pinot Gris. What makes Erratic Oaks stand out is the presence of all three soil types of Willamette Valley in the vineyard: Marine Sedimentary, Volcanic, and Missoula Flood Sedimentary. Its name comes from the “erratic soil” fragments of granite found in the top layer, originating from rock formations in Idaho and Montana. This distinct feature and the prime sun exposure of the south and southwest-facing vines drew Dana and Nicole as potential vintners. However, what sealed their confidence was the vineyard’s sustainable practices-certified by the L.I.V.E. organization. They knew all these aspects would lend nuance to their wine and allow for a delicate hand in winemaking.  

This debut 100% Pinot Gris was picked in early September and fermented in stainless steel after pressing. The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation and aged for six months in a combination of neutral French oak barrels and stainless steel before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright, zesty, and uplifting; this wine pairs stunningly with fresh shellfish and seafood. Aromas reminiscent of apple blossoms, lemonade, and ripe pineapple introduce an unmistakable line of minerality on the palate, and the medium body finishes with bright acidity. Honor the friendship behind this debut Pinot Gris from Coquina by sharing a refreshing glass with your closest confidante!