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Helioterra Wines 2016 Concrete Melon de Bourgogne
For the love of the land
How did a gal from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, grow up to become one of Oregon’s up-and-coming winemakers?
Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, Anne Ebenreiter Hubatch felt a deep connection to the land around her. In college, she studied geology with an eye toward becoming an environmental policy wonk. She started down that path, as a political organizer and environmental activist.
But politics doesn’t often come with tangible results, and as Anne says, “it’ll drive you to drink!”
Soon enough, her passion for the land found its expression in her hands – as a winemaker. After several years of working for well-known wineries in the Willamette Valley, Anne struck out on her own and launched her own label and her first vintage in 2009.
In addition to her wine labels, Whoa Nelly! and Helioterra, Anne is also the creative force behind Alter Ego, an urban Portland cidery.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Helioterra Wines, Portland, Oregon
2016 Concrete Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne. A glorious white wine, perfect for Oregon, and yet still under-the-radar. Why is it perfect for Oregon? In France (where it is more known primarily as Muscadet), it is considered to be best wine on the planet to pair with seafood.
At Helioterra, they’ve made this wine in a concrete egg. The concrete egg has the breathability of oak barrels, but the neutral flavor impact of stainless steel. The thick walls help maintain a constant temperature and create a cool environment for these white wines to spend their time.
This is a crisp white with aromas and flavors of citrus and wet stones. Anise and other herbs can be found alongside notes of chamomile and a pleasant salinity that makes it shine with seafood.
A Cellar 503 selection in October 2019, Unusual Vessels Willamette Valley | Melon de Bourgogne
