Oregon is known for its Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley but in Southern Oregon’s Applegate and Rogue Valleys the dry and warm climate allow for a variety of wine grapes to flourish.

Vermentino is an Italian grape which thrives in Sardinia and other maritime growing regions like Liguria along Italy’s northwest coast and the French island of Corsica.

The 2013 Troon Vineyard Vermentino, is the only such wine being made in Oregon. This wine is mostly Vermentino with a small percentage of Viognier blended in to provide body. It’s a crisp white wine with aromatics of crushed stone, lemon zest and wild flower. The stainless steel fermentation preserves the wine’s great acidity and bite. Flavors include green apple, citrus fruit and a crisp clean mineral finish.

 Pairing picks: Crab cakes, oysters, clams or grilled halibut.