Did you know May is Oregon Wine Month? This month celebrates, brings awareness, and collaborates with Oregon wines, vineyard managers, winemakers, tasting room staff, farm managers, and chefs. In honor of this month, we are highlighting Duck Pond wines, the First Certified Natural Path Production Wine in America by the Clean Label Project. This Oregon-based winery epitomizes and embodies a steadfast commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. They boast a clear vision to produce high-quality wines that reflect Oregon’s purest and most natural form.
We recently had the pleasure of enjoying lunch with Duck Pond Wines and Oregon Winemaker Julia Cattrall where wines from Duck Pond’s portfolio were paired with great dishes from Brick Wine Bar. Our luncheon introduced us to their 2021 and 2022 Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé, and Pinot Noir thanks to very knowledgeable Oregon Winemaker Julia Cattrall. The day’s delightful pairing was as follows:
Duck Pond Pinot Gris paired with Fluke Crudo Aguachile
Duck Pond Chardonnay paired with Octopus and Aji Amarillo with a Celery Root Puree.
Duck Pond Rosé paired with Gazpacho Lump Crab and Chile Oil
Duck Pond Pinot Noir paired with Salchichion Iberico pan con tomate on focaccia
Duck Pond goes through a rigorous certification process determined to fulfill their promise to customers by providing wines of the highest quality, crafted with minimal intervention, and offering exceptional value. Thus becoming the first to achieve the renowned certification. While other wine labels have been hesitant to pursue Natural Path Production Wine certification, Duck Pond remained resolute and is currently the only label to boast this prestigious recognition.
One of the critical reasons for Duck Pond’s success and popularity is its unwavering commitment to producing wines free from harmful glyphosate and neonicotinoid pesticides. The company diligently oversees the entire grape-growing process to ensure that only good-for-you and great-tasting ingredients find their way into each bottle. By adhering to these strict standards, Duck Pond not only produces wines that are better for the environment but also create a healthier and more enjoyable experience for consumers. Now that you’ve gotten to know the brand a little better, let’s get to this amazing pairing.
The diverse wine line offered by Duck Pond encompasses a wide range of choices to suit various palates. From their elegant and nuanced Pinot Noir to the refreshing and vibrant Pinot Gris, Duck Pond’s portfolio includes options such as Rosé, Chardonnay, and more.
Duck Pond Pinot Gris paired with Fluke Crudo Aguachile
We loved this Pinot Gris. It starts bright and fruity at the beginning and ends with a buttery finish on its own. Paired with the peppery Crudo, we enjoyed how it played up the freshness of the pinot gris.
Duck Pond Chardonnay paired w/ Octopus & Aji Amarillo with Celery Root Puree
Loved the legs on the Chardonnay. No surprise this was our favorite wine. We couldn’t help but notice the touch of green in color, especially when next to the celery root puree. It featured subtle boldness but with strong citrus and floral. Pairing it with the braised spinach octopus topped with Chimichurri laid on top of the celery root puree brought out the sweetness of the puree and further livened up the chardonnay. The combination made all the flavors bolder.
Duck Pond Rosé paired with Gazpacho Lump Crab and Chile Oil
Although the Chardonnay was our favorite wine, this was our favorite pairing. The very aromatic and dry Rosé boasts 60% pinot (it’s actually a blend of various pinots). It is mild and floral, and very balanced. This pairing gave our palates a bit of a wake-up call. The chili oil Gespato with lump crab salad was a perfect complement to the Rosé’s melon and berry notes.
Duck Pond Pinot Noir paired with Salchichion Iberico Pan con Tomate on Focaccia
You will love the velvety look and aroma of this pinot noir. It features a bold cherry aroma, a rich, dark ruby hue, and a well-rounded mouthfeel. This pinot noir boasts 12 different vineyards to create this blend. The very dry blend was paired with cured salami on bread with tomato puree. For us, its complex flavors overtook the flavors of the paired food, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Each bottle of Duck Pond reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence and its relentless pursuit of showcasing the true essence of Oregon’s pristine terroir. In a world where sustainability and organic practices are increasingly valued, it stands out as a pioneer and industry leader. By obtaining the Natural Path Production Wines certification, Duck Pond has set a benchmark for others to follow. Their unwavering dedication to farming sustainably and organically, coupled with their focus on producing quality wines, makes Duck Pond a standout choice for environmentally conscious wine enthusiasts who seek exceptional taste and ethical production methods.
