2023 Liska - Gamay Willamette Valley (750ml)

Liska Wine Co. is a small husband-and-wife project in Oregon's Willamette Valley, founded in 2021 by Chris Butler and Draga Zheleva after they met working harvests in Germany's Mosel region and later relocated to Oregon in search of a similarly cool climate. The winery is named for their rescue German Shepherd, and Draga designs each label herself using original linocut prints of Pacific Northwest botanical scenes. The couple crafts their wines at Cristom Vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, where Chris also serves as associate winemaker, focusing on varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Gamay that remain uncommon in a region built around Pinot Noir.

This Gamay Noir blends fruit from two vineyard sites the winery has cultivated relationships with, one producing a more delicate, subtly savory character and the other contributing bolder structure. The vines are dry-farmed and largely no-till, farmed organically, with pick dates chosen to preserve natural acidity and keep alcohol levels in check. Cellar work stays deliberately hands-off, allowing the fruit's own character to guide the finished wine rather than heavy manipulation.

The wine offers bright red fruit aromatics layered with a distinct herbal edge, leading into a light-bodied palate with crunchy tannins and refreshing acidity. It finishes clean and lively, built for easy drinking. It pairs nicely with roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a charcuterie spread with soft cheeses.