Jul 13 2022
Menu
Nestled at the southernmost end of the smallest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Oregon, Ribbon Ridge, Domaine Divio is a can’t-miss stop on your next wine tasting adventure. Owner and winemaker, Bruno Corneaux, is a fourth-generation winemaker originally from Burgundy, France. Bruno was invited to Oregon by the Drouhin family, which was when he quickly noticed the similarities between Oregon and his hometown. Bruno and his family opted to make the Willamette Valley their home and started their own brand and passion project, Domaine Divio, in 2014. Wine truly runs in the blood of the Corneaux; not only does Bruno have a wine named after each of his sons, Louis and Gabriel, but Bruno’s first son, Louis, will soon become the fifth-generation winemaker in the Corneaux family. Bruno is also the Director of Viticulture and Winemaking at NW Wine Company and is tasked with monitoring over 950 acres of fruit, allowing him to gain a deep understanding of the intricacies between vineyards in the Willamette Valley.
With a 23-acre property, and just 13 of those acres dedicated to their vines, wines from Domaine Divio should be considered high-end, boutique, and exclusive. In company with the tasting room opening in 2016, most of their offerings are current vintage, and it is clear that their wine program has been thoughtfully developed to offer wines that are perfect to drink now and some to cellar for later; truly, it’s the best of both worlds. The team at Domaine Divio believes in a “minimal intervention” approach to winemaking. In combination with their sustainable viticulture as well as organic and biodynamic practices, they strive to create wines that are notonly beautiful, but are also a true representation of where they come from and create a sense of place.
After hearing rave reviews about Domaine Divio from many friends and colleagues, I thought I was long overdue for a visit, and I was pleasantly surprised. Walking into the Domaine Divio tasting room, I was immediately greeted by staff and an overwhelming sense of comfort and belonging. It is clear to me, and was reiterated by their staff, that their doors are welcome to everyone.
Their tasting room is rustic and feels almost like you are stepping into someone’s home, with comfortable seating options and a set of double doors leading to their patio and grass space. I opted for an outside tasting experience to soak in one of the first summer days of the year. I quickly chose a very comfortable Adirondack chair with a view overlooking their estate vineyard and the others surrounding their property.
To accompany my tasting, I was brought a small pairing plate with some cheese, crisps, nuts, and seeds, which is complimentary for all of their guests. I later got the chance to sample the roasted hazelnuts and Mediterranean olives, which can be added for $8. Then, I was introduced to my host, Jacob, who was equally knowledgeable and delightful.
Jacob introduced me to the first wine on the flight, the 2021 Pinot Beurot, or “Summer Water” as Jacob called it. This wine evokes the mood of sunshine with every pleasant sip. I couldn’t leave without a couple of these to sip on this summer.
We then explored three Pinot Noir offerings from the 2020 vintage: Ribbon Ridge, Laurelwood District, and the Louis. While the 2020 vintage was highly critiqued and overlooked by many due to the influence that wildfires had on the harvest season in the Willamette Valley, it is abundantly clear that Domaine Divio did something very right and produced some magnificent wines.
The “2020 Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir” will be high on my list to have at my next dinner party. With the influence of 25% new French oak, and some tricks from his upbringing, Bruno produced a wine that is bright, has a lovely herbaceous quality, and notes of dark fruit. It is the perfect pairing for your next dinner party and an overall crowd-pleaser.
The “2020 Laurelwood District Pinot Noir” had beautiful floral notes and was delicate but still fruit-forward. While this wine isn’t from the Domaine Divio estate, it is from one of the newest AVAs in Oregon, which used to be a part of the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Jacob suggested pairing this wine with lamb chops and basil — yum!
Finally, I tasted the “2020 Louis Pinot Noir,” which was named after Bruno’s first son. Bruno wanted to make a wine for each of his sons that represented who they are. Jacob explained that Louis is expressive and passionate, and I am pleased to say that this wine followed his lead. This wine was a vibrant, fruit-forward, and confident offering, ideal for a special occasion. Jacob also snuck in a taste of the “2021 Passeoutgrain” for me. This wine is a blend of 2/3 Gamay and 1/3 Pinot Noir, and can even be served slightly chilled — perfect for a spring or summer evening with its notes of bright red fruit.
We culminated the tasting with their “2020 Willamette Valley Chardonnay,” and while I tend to opt toward Pinot Noir when selecting a wine, this Chardonnay may have helped me see the light. This chardonnay received a 97-point score from Wine Enthusiast and 95 points from James Suckling, and it is easy to see why. Tart lemon notes and a bread finish makes for a beautiful, zealous wine. I made sure to bring one of these home with me as well and plan to return for more so I can sip it all summer and into the early fall.
As mentioned, Domaine Divio has a limited production and is still building its library of wines, but I would be remiss to omit the lovely wines I plan to cellar for a special occasion. Upon recommendation from the tasting room manager, James, I selected the “2018 Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir” and the “2018 Yamhill Carlton Pinot Noir” to add to my personal cellar. I am excited to open them in the next few years and explore both bottles. If they are anything like the wines I tasted on their flight, I am in for a treat.
The best part of my experience, save for the wine, was the level of hospitality and thoughtfulness evident throughout my time at Domaine Divio. It is rare to find a spot with such keen attention to detail, a high level of hospitality, and delicious wines without an air of intimidation or pretentiousness, but Domaine Divio has found that balance.
Domaine Divio will remain high on my list of recommended spots in the Willamette Valley, and I look forward to another visit, hopefully soon!
SHARE THIS REVIEW: