“I LIKE TO EAT CHICKEN WITH MY CHARDONNAY!” Thus spoke the gastronomic alien adorning Fausse Piste‘s memorable 2014 Conner Lee Vineyard Chardonnay. The vinous state of Oregon, long known for Pinot Noir (and basically only Pinot Noir) is today enjoying a moment for other grape varieties. Chardonnay is the tip of the spear, but there’s some lovely Pinot Gris, Syrah, Cab Franc, and Riesling growing in Oregon as well…and that’s before we get to the really weird varieties (Savagnin Rose, anyone?).
You’ll like what’s in this bottle from Fausse Piste just as much as what’s on it, which makes it a perfect feature for Label Wine. We just can’t get enough of this little alien fellow. 10 points for anyone who dresses like the creature for Halloween.
As told to Sprudge Wine by Jesse Skiles of Fausse Piste.
Tell us a bit about Fausse Piste.
Fausse Piste is the work of myself and my wife Maryna, we simply try and make delicious, fun, old-school wines that are food friendly, reflective of place and produced with respect and care of the earth and our trade. No adjustments other than a li’l SO2 at bottling.
We are based in the heart of an old brick building in inner SE Portland and work with fruit all around the Northwest.
We love the 2014 Conner Lee Vineyard Chardonnay. How long have you worked with this vineyard?
The Gastronome is going to be our rotating single-vineyard white bottling or standout from the vintage. We have a single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc coming from the Columbia Gorge coming out next year under the same label name and design, with a different food item that would be delicious with Sauv Blanc.
2014 started it off with some amazing, old vine Chard from Conner Lee, that was originally going to go into our blend wine “Le Communard” but was better on its own than in a blend.
Who designed the label?
I did, it’s based off a drawing I did in high school of a country alien—but now I see it of somewhat a self-portrait. Kind of came about when I couldn’t think about anything else to put on the label.
What information is shared on the label?
Well first off that there should be some chicken with Chardonnay. It’s one of my favorite pairings, hands down, never fails.
Also that it is Chardonnay in the bottle from 2014 and that we produced the wine, also the vineyard we sourced fruit from in 2014.
Describe the look in your own words!
A gastronome is someone who enjoys eating and drinking. I think that fits the bill of an alien eating fried chicken and drinking Chardonnay.
Where can I buy a bottle of this in the wild?
At the Pearl Tavern in NW Portland, or at Avalon Wine (If the ’14 is still available).
Is it available online?
Yes, the 2015 is available via our online shop at faussepiste.com.
Thanks so much for your time.
Label Wine is a feature series by Zachary Carlsen on Sprudge Wine. Read more Label Wine here.
