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Helioterra Wines 2021 Auxerrois
For the love of the land
How did a gal from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, grow up to become one of Oregon’s most celebrated 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
2021 Auxerrois
Auxerrois? Yes, Auxerrois. You’re forgiven if you’ve never heard of it. In fact, just five vineyards in Oregon grow it; and that’s almost all the Auxerrois outside of Europe. It’s a grape native to the Alsace region of France, near the northeast border with Germany.
(Quick lesson: Pronounce it with a hard X and a soft R, “ox-uh-wah”.)
Here at Cellar 503, we love the strong backbone of lemon/line acidity alongside a wet-stone minerality that you find in every Auxerrois – and we’re proud to say that we’ve featured Auxerrois from three of the five vineyards in Oregon that grow it!
This Auxerrois comes from the Zenith Vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills region in the Willamette Valley. Named for Aeolus, the Greek god of wind, this region is known for a narrow corridor that draws Pacific Ocean winds deep into the Valley. Those winds cool down summer afternoons, allowing the grapes to retain strong acidity and structure.
In spring, enjoy this with Dungeness crab. In fall, it’ll be great with oysters. Or maybe, go another direction and enjoy with a sweet, savory, and spicy pad Thai.
A Cellar 503 selection in May 2022, Women In Wine Eola-Amity Hills | Auxerrois
