A pairing of Old World and New

When world-renowned German Riesling winemaker Ernst Loosen sought out an Oregonian to partner with to make Pinot Noir, he stopped searching when he found Jay Somers of J. Christopher Wines.

They make an unusual pair – the scion of a 200-year-old European winemaking family and the rock guitarist turned winemaker. But it’s a pairing that makes perfect sense.

You see, Jay has always been enthralled with Old World style wines, particularly those with heft and character and a pedigree not yet found stateside. But he also loves Oregon – and works to apply his Old World style to New World grapes. He’s committed himself to a European winemaking approach, particularly the practices of biodynamic farming and wine production – albeit in a state-of-the-art facility in the Chehalem Mountains.

The result of this pairing of Old World and New has quickly built a reputation for J. Christopher for fantastic Pinot Noir in the Burgundian style and excellent Sauvignon Blanc in the style of Sancerre.

Jay’s wines are clearly Old World in style but the land and climate of the New World comes through loud and clear.