An American Gem with a Tale to Tell
At The Goring Hotel, our American guests are a delight—dynamic, warm, and brimming with personality, often ready to share their stories with us over a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine. I’ve observed a trend: some prefer the familiar flavors of home, while others eagerly explore something new. When a recent group lingered over the Pinot Noirs in the U.S. section, I knew the perfect recommendation was Bergström’s ‘Cumberland Reserve.’ With its vibrant notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, this medium-bodied wine captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, showcasing moderate tannins and alcohol for a polished, approachable profile that complements nearly any meal.
The Bergström Family Legacy: Rooted in Dream and Dedication
The Bergström story began with John Bergström, who left Sweden as a young man to pursue the American dream. Decades later, Bergström Wines is not just a winery but a tribute to his family’s resilience and vision. Today, Josh Bergström, with his wife Caroline, drives this legacy forward. A Portland native, Josh trained extensively in France, obtaining a degree in viticulture from Beaune, Burgundy. His expertise, cultivated across 125 vineyards, has placed Bergström Wines among Oregon’s finest, blending innovation with a profound respect for tradition.
The Heart of Oregon: Biodynamic Craftsmanship
Josh Bergström’s commitment to biodynamic and regenerative farming shines through his meticulous care of 70 acres across five estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley. Embracing nature’s cycles, the team nurtures their land without synthetic chemicals, opting instead for organic compost and mineral treatments. This holistic approach preserves the unique flavours of each vineyard, bringing out an iron minerality and rich herbal notes in their wines, alongside delicate floral accents. Bergström’s Pinot Noir, known as the “iron fist in a velvet glove,” melds savoury elements with a velvety tannic structure, a true reflection of Oregon’s volcanic clay soils.
The ‘Cumberland Reserve’ Pinot Noir: A Willamette Valley Treasure
The ‘Cumberland Reserve’ Pinot Noir is named for the Portland road where the Bergström family once lived, and it combines the best barrels from their vineyards across the Northern Willamette Valley. This wine embodies the terroir’s volcanic clay and basalt soils, offering a bouquet of red apple, raspberry, and hints of pink peppercorn. On the palate, flavours of cranberry, cherry, and clove mingle with an underlying ferrous salinity. With age, this wine will only grow more balanced and complex, though it is vibrant and ready to enjoy now.
Food Pairing: The Pinot Noir Palette
This light, juicy Pinot Noir pairs gracefully with a variety of dishes. It complements the flavours of grilled salmon or roasted duck, and its soft tannins and acidity make it versatile for vegetarian fare, such as mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables. For those feeling adventurous, it’s a beautiful pairing with rich, spicy curries, where its freshness balances bold flavours. Its subtle structure and fruit-forward notes also make it an excellent choice for charcuterie boards or buffet-style meals, lending a vibrant counterpoint without overwhelming the dish.
Conclusion: The Art of Balance in Wine Selection
As a sommelier, my role is to sense what each guest truly desires, guiding them to wines that elevate their dining experience rather than just focusing on the price tag. Offering choices that reflect both quality and character, like the Bergström ‘Cumberland Reserve,’ allows guests to indulge in a memorable glass at their own comfort level. With Bergström, we know we’re pouring more than just wine; we’re sharing the care and vitality that go into crafting each bottle. Their commitment to Oregon’s landscape and natural farming is a gift to all who appreciate wine crafted with purity and respect for the land.
