Tucked away on a tranquil country lane in rural Lane County, Antiquum Farm is a true working farm that embodies the concept of bio-diversity, making it stand out from the rest.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, you don’t want to miss their pinot noir, as well as the several unique wines they offer. However, what makes Antiquum Farm so special is their cross-functional farm use, which includes animals such as sheep, pigs, and even veggies. The practice of “grazing based viticulture” guarantees that each member of the family, from animal to human, contributes to the sustainability and ecosystem of this working farm.
Although this hidden gem may not be on your radar during a search for wine, Antiquum Farm’s dedication to bio-diversity and sustainability make it a unique destination worth visiting in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Sustaining a Healthy Farm Ecosystem
Sustainable farming means different things to different people. But here at the Farm, it means creating a closed ecosystem where everything works together to foster a thriving and sustainable farm.
Maintaining such an ecosystem in a vineyard and winery is not without its challenges. Achieving the right balance is an ever-evolving process.
One of our strategies in the vineyard is to use cover crops as grazing food for our farm animals. These cover crops are selected not only to feed the animals but also to nourish the vineyard.
When the animals consume the cover crops, their roots decompose, leaving behind a rich microbial community that supports the next cycle. This contributes to the biodiversity of the vineyard and fosters a living, breathing soil base. Chemical fertilizers, soil treatments, and other chemicals that can alter the local ecosystem are simply not needed.
By prioritizing the health of our ecosystem, we at the Farm have created a sustainable farm that provides nourishing produce and wine to our community.
Sustaining a Healthy Farm Ecosystem
Sustainable farming means different things to different people. But here at the Farm, it means creating a closed ecosystem where everything works together to foster a thriving and sustainable farm.
Maintaining such an ecosystem in a vineyard and winery is not without its challenges. Achieving the right balance is an ever-evolving process.
One of our strategies in the vineyard is to use cover crops as grazing food for our farm animals. These cover crops are selected not only to feed the animals but also to nourish the vineyard.
When the animals consume the cover crops, their roots decompose, leaving behind a rich microbial community that supports the next cycle. This contributes to the biodiversity of the vineyard and fosters a living, breathing soil base. Chemical fertilizers, soil treatments, and other chemicals that can alter the local ecosystem are simply not needed.
By prioritizing the health of our ecosystem, we at the Farm have created a sustainable farm that provides nourishing produce and wine to our community.
Terroir. The complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. The characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced.
A little something different
Ever the creative, winemaker, Andy Bandy-Smith decided to approach the Pinot Gris a bit differently. Taking clues from the production techniques of Sherry, a solera system was devised with the intension of showcasing the terroir of Antiquum Farm.
The Pertpetua Album is a blend of Daisy, Arossa and Alium – each with a different site, and different ripening times int he harvest cycle. The combination of these three sites creates a unique blend. But it doesn’t stop there.
Much like a solera aged Sherry, this Pinot Gris is a fractional blend of several vintages – taking bits of 2019 and 2019. The goal is to eventually be able to show several decades of vine age, as the vineyard matures, and crate a blend of fruit from 10, 20 and 50 year old vines.
Perpetua Album started as 1000 liters of Daisy Pinot Gris. That first year 50% was pulled out, and replenished with 50% of the next vintage. Each year after that, 75 cases is pulled out and replenished with the current vintage.
Here, with a perpetual wine, the path is paved for future generations to connect with the past in a single bottle. That’s what I call generational agriculture.
To say this wine is different doesn’t do it justice. Yes, it has classic Oregon Pinot Gris characteristics, but it’s also not at all classic Pinot Gris.
The brilliant golden color is a freshly cut pineapple, and the flavors and acidity cut through the viscosity and leaves a minerally crisp finish. Full of pineapple and mango, as well as preserved lemon, the mineral finish is dusted on a piece of juicy-fruit gum.
A hint of salinity comes through on the finish, with crisp Asian pears.
It is really a wine that requires some thought to drink, but is worth every minute.
What we've discovered over time is that if you truly can isolate your place, and forget about adding soluble nutrient inputs, forget about tillage, forget about herbicide use, that your vineyard can become untethered from expectations around region or varietal and things will truly begin to behave in way s that are completely unexpected.
In addition to the Perpetua Album, there is a Perpetual Pinot Noir, and three distinct Pinot Noirs that come from specific sites on the vineyard.
Perpetua Rubrum Pinot Noir I is the sister to the Perpetual Pinot Gris, where previous years of Pinot Noir are blended with parts of the current vintage to create a blend.
Finally, the Perpetua Rubrum follows the methodology of the Perpetua Album, where a multi vintage “best of the best” selection is blended to highlight the best of the terroir. Made in a 1000 liter barrel, 50% is bottled each year. After that, it is replenished with the current vintage, and so on.
The Perpetua Rubrum was made to intentionally look deeply into the heart of terroir, tracing the perpetual line of both grape and vine. Making wine from every section of the properties Pinot Noir vines, it is a fascinating look at the local flavors.
The Juel Pinot Noir is a cross representation of the Pinot Noir sites, which total 14.5 acres. It sits at about 800 feet, which is one of the highest point in the Belle Pine site. Belle Pine soil is unique in this area, which avoiding the Missoula Floods, and is made up of decomposed lava (which were once under the sea), and has marine sandstone and salt parent material. The top soil here is only 7-24 inches thick, which makes very open vine structures. This helps balance the fruit, which is one of Andy’s primary goals.
The Juel is a blend of the six selections of Pinot Noir grown at Antiquum Farm, based on a few “optimization picks”, where fruit has reached its peak expression. Some of the fruit is left on the vine, and then picked in a “snapshot pick’. – or the Enchilada.
Here, a ton of fruit is picked from each clonal block is picked on a single night, which forms the backbone of the Juel. More optimizing picks are done to add that spice to the Juel.
There is also the Perpetua Rubrum Pinot Noir, which is made in the same style as the Perpetua Album.
Pulling each aspect of the vineyard sites out and making not only separate wines from the sections, but utilizing staggered picks to adjust the flavor profiles in each distinct wine, allows Antiuquum Farm to really showcase the unique aspects of this micro-section of the lower Willamette.
While the most recent vintage is sold out, Antiquum Farm is selling futures of the 2021 wines now.
If you are in the region of Eugene, be sure to make a point of visiting this unique part of Oregon!
Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Lombardy, Italy lies the stunning wine region of Oltrepo Pavese. While it may not be as well-known as neighboring Piedmonte and Tuscany, the wines produced here are a real treasure for wine lovers. The area is famous for its sparkling wines, which actually account for more than half of its wine production. These wines are made using the traditional method and offer a crisp and bright taste. In addition to the sparkling wines, Oltrepo Pavese is also known for producing a variety of other wines, including acid-driven Pinot Noirs, classic Cabernet Sauvignons, and the famous Nebbiolo wines of Piedmonte.
The area’s vineyards cover a wide range of terrains, from steep slopes to terraced hillsides. The climate is also unique, with hot summers and cool breezes coming from the nearby Apennine Mountains. The combination of these factors, along with the region’s long history of winemaking, has led to the development of some truly exceptional wines.
One of the most impressive things about the wineries of Oltrepo Pavese is their dedication to sustainable winemaking practices. Many wineries in the region have started using organic and biodynamic farming techniques, which not only produce better-tasting wines but also have a positive impact on the environment.
If you’re a wine lover looking to explore some of Italy’s lesser-known regions, Oltrepo Pavese is definitely worth a visit. With its stunning landscapes and exceptional wines, it’s sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.
Tucked away in a corner of Italy that has been part of Lombardy, Piedmonte, and Emilia-Romagna, the Oltrepo Pavese wine region is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a long history of winemaking dating back to the ancient Etruscans, the Oltrepo Pavese boasts a diverse range of wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
Located in the southern part of Lombardy, bordering the Emilia-Romagna and Piedmonte regions, the Oltrepo Pavese covers over 70,000 hectares of vineyards along the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. Its proximity to the Po River and the Ligurian Sea creates a microclimate that is ideal for growing grapes. The region’s hilly terrain and diverse soils add to the complexity and character of its wines.
The Oltrepo Pavese produces an array of wines, including the popular Croatina, Barbera, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. However, the region’s standout wine is the Bonarda, a red grape variety that is unique to the area. Bonarda wines are known for their dark color, bright acidity, and fruity flavors.
In addition to its still wines, the Oltrepo Pavese is also known for its sparkling wines, particularly the Metodo Classico, which is made in the traditional Champagne method. These sparkling wines are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and are aged for a minimum of 18 months.
Despite its rich history and quality wines, the Oltrepo Pavese is still relatively unknown outside of Italy. However, with its stunning landscape, picturesque vineyards, and excellent wines, it is a destination worth exploring for any wine enthusiast.
Tucked away in the scenic corner of Italy lies a hidden gem that has been at different times part of Lombardy, Piedmonte and Oltrepo Pavese. The region boasts of a rich wine heritage that dates back to ancient times. Locally produced wines in the area range from crisp, acidic Pinot Noirs to sparkling white wines that are perfect for toasting special occasions. However, the undisputed king of the region’s produce is the renowned Nebbiolo grape variety that is used to make some of the world’s most celebrated wines. The Nebbiolo grapes flourish in the region’s hilly terrain, infusing the wines with their signature aromas and bold flavors. With its picturesque vineyards, charming wineries and a thriving wine culture, Oltrepo Pavese is a wine lover’s paradise that begs to be explored.
Oltrepo Pavese is a wine region that is situated in the southern part of Lombardy, Italy. This area has a rich wine-making tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans, who cultivated vineyards on the hillsides of this scenic region.
Oltrepo Pavese is known for producing a wide variety of wines, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, Pinot Noir is a popular wine in the region, and it boasts a crisp and acidic flavor that is perfect for pairing with food. Additionally, the sparkling white wines produced in Oltrepo Pavese are renowned for their bright and refreshing taste, making them an ideal choice for special occasions.
However, the true star of the Oltrepo Pavese region is the Nebbiolo grape variety. This grape flourishes in the hilly terrain of the region, imparting its signature bold flavors and aromas to the wines produced in the area. Some of the most famous wines made from Nebbiolo grapes include Barolo and Barbaresco, two of Italy’s most prestigious and sought-after wines.
In addition to its excellent wines, Oltrepo Pavese is also known for its picturesque vineyards and charming wineries. Wine lovers from around the world travel to this region to sample its offerings and take in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds them.
Overall, Oltrepo Pavese is a region that has something to offer every wine enthusiast. From crisp Pinot Noirs to complex Nebbiolos, this area is home to some of the best wines in Italy and the world.
Nestled in the northwest region of Italy, Oltrepo Pavese is a hidden gem that has historically been part of Lombardy and Piedmonte. This quaint corner of Italy boasts a diverse range of exquisite wines that are beloved by wine enthusiasts around the world. From smooth, acid-driven pinot noirs to lively and effervescent sparkling wines, Oltrepo Pavese offers a vast array of options for wine lovers. However, the shining star of this region is undoubtedly the famed Nebbiolos of Piedmonte, a wine renowned for its complexity and depth of flavor. With its rich history and diverse offering of wines, Oltrepo Pavese is a must-visit destination for any wine connoisseur.
In addition, as a place of some former ill repute for producing bulk wine, Oltrepo Pavese is home to a fair amount of experimentation and young winemakers bucking the trends and rules that so often restrict Italian producers.
In addition, as a place of some former ill repute for producing bulk wine, Oltrepo Pavese is home to a fair amount of experimentation and young winemakers bucking the trends and rules that so often restrict Italian producers.
Oltrepo Pavese is not only a region steeped in history and tradition, but it is also home to a growing number of young and innovative winemakers who are unafraid to challenge the status quo. These winemakers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with winemaking in Italy, experimenting with new techniques and varietals to create unique and exciting wines.
