Vincent Wine Co.
RIBBON RIDGE, OREGON | 2021
A word to the wise: Oregon's well-deserved moment in the spotlight continues, and we are fortunate to be basking in the glow of its exceptional wines. Year after year, Oregon produces remarkable wines, with Vincent Wine Company standing out as a niche producer driving this momentum forward. This month, you'll experience Vincent’s elegant Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir from the highly acclaimed 2021 vintage.
Founded in 2009 by Vincent Fritzsche, the winery is committed to sourcing grapes from sustainably-farmed vineyards and practicing minimal intervention to honor Oregon's diverse terroir. Fritzsche, who refined his skills through years of apprenticeship in Oregon and California, brings a focused yet unobtrusive approach to his winemaking.
Vincent Wine Company is more than just an eponymous name; it carries a rich legacy. Named after founder Vincent Fritzsche and inspired by his uncle Vincent, maternal grandfather Vincent, and Saint Vincent of Saragossa—the patron saint of vintners—the winery celebrates its heritage annually with the Fête de la Saint Vincent! The blend of tradition, environmental sustainability, and refined winemaking ensures Vincent’s wines are always complex and age-worthy.
The Armstrong Vineyard, located on Lewis Rogers Lane in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, is crucial to crafting this exquisite Pinot Noir. Owned by Doug and Michele Ackerman, the vineyard’s marine sediment soils—remnants of an ancient seafloor—drain exceptionally well, imparting unique characteristics to the wine. Vincent’s use of three specific Dijon clones from this vineyard contributes to the wine's remarkable depth of character.
In the glass, the 2021 vintage displays a brilliant ruby red hue with aromas of cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry, intertwined with subtle hints of crushed gravel and umami. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and silky, showcasing a medley of red fruits supported by lively acidity. The mid-palate reveals layers of earth, rosemary, and sandalwood, adding to its complexity. Mild, well-integrated tannins lead to a tart, delightful finish, making this Pinot Noir an excellent pairing for dishes like chicken marsala or black truffle risotto.