Underwood Pinot Noir

Underwood Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Oregon's Umpqua, Illinois, and Willamette Valleys, bottled at 13.0% ABV in a 750ml format. This multi-valley blend earned a Gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Awards for its 2012 vintage, establishing itself as one of Oregon's most accessible and consistently well-received everyday reds.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.0%  |  Origin: Oregon, USA  |  Style: Multi-Valley Blend  |  Producer: Union Wine Company

Production & Heritage

Union Wine Company, based in Oregon, produces Underwood Pinot Noir by sourcing fruit across three of the state's most prominent growing regions: the Willamette, Umpqua, and Illinois Valleys. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged for eight months with 15% of the blend spending time in new French oak — enough to add subtle structure without masking the varietal character. The result is a fruit-forward, approachable Pinot that leans into freshness rather than extraction. A screw cap closure keeps things practical and consistent from bottle to bottle.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe strawberries and crushed forest berries lead the nose, followed by hints of dried herbs and licorice. There is a subtle dusty quality underneath, with faint garrigue-like complexity.

Taste: The palate opens bright and juicy, with black cherry and currant taking center stage. Mid-palate, baking spice emerges alongside a gentle earthiness that grounds the fruit. An underlying savory base note adds dimension without heaviness.

Finish: Medium in length with soft tannins and lingering raspberry and dark cherry. A clean, slightly spiced exit keeps the wine lively through the last sip.

How to Drink Underwood Pinot Noir

Serve slightly below room temperature — around 55–60°F — to let the fruit aromatics shine while maintaining freshness. This is a wine built for easy drinking, equally enjoyable on its own or alongside food.

• Classic Pinot Noir & Salmon: The wine's bright acidity and red fruit cut through the richness of grilled or roasted salmon.
• Mushroom Risotto: Its earthy, savory undertones echo the umami depth of a well-made risotto.
• Charcuterie Board: The juicy cherry character and soft tannins pair naturally with cured meats and semi-firm cheeses.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, food-friendly red
• Introducing someone to Oregon Pinot Noir without a steep price commitment
• Casual outdoor gatherings — the screw cap and available 375ml can format make it highly portable
• Building a tasting flight of Pacific Northwest Pinot Noirs at different price tiers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Underwood Pinot Noir taste like? It is a bright, fruit-driven red dominated by black cherry and currant, with baking spice and an earthy, savory undertone that keeps things interesting beyond simple fruit.

How does Underwood Pinot Noir compare to Beaujolais Nouveau? Both wines emphasize juicy, fresh red fruit and are meant to be consumed young, but Underwood delivers more structure and earthy complexity from its partial French oak aging, while Beaujolais Nouveau relies on the carbonic maceration character of Gamay for its lighter, more candied profile.

Is Underwood Pinot Noir good for beginners? Yes — its bright fruit, soft tannins, and approachable style make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring Pinot Noir or Oregon wines in general.

Where is Underwood Pinot Noir made? It is produced by Union Wine Company in Oregon, using Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Willamette, Umpqua, and Illinois Valleys — three of the state's key winegrowing regions.

What foods pair well with Underwood Pinot Noir? Grilled salmon benefits from the wine's acidity; roast chicken or duck amplify its savory side; mushroom dishes echo its earthy notes; charcuterie and aged Gruyère complement the cherry and spice character; and roasted root vegetables match its gentle sweetness.

What sizes does Underwood Pinot Noir come in? It is available in a standard 750ml bottle with screw cap closure and in a 375ml single-serve can, which has become one of the brand's signature formats.

Is Underwood Pinot Noir worth the price? Underwood positions firmly as an everyday, value-tier Oregon Pinot Noir — it delivers varietal accuracy and multi-valley blending at a price point well below most single-vineyard or reserve Oregon Pinots, making it strong value for daily drinking.

Why Underwood Pinot Noir?

The strongest case for this wine is what it achieves at its price tier: a genuine multi-valley Oregon Pinot Noir with partial French oak aging, not a mass-produced facsimile. The 2012 vintage earned a Gold medal from the International Wine & Spirits Awards, and subsequent vintages have maintained scores in the high 80s on Wine-Searcher's aggregate. By blending fruit from Willamette, Umpqua, and Illinois Valleys, Union Wine Company captures a broader snapshot of Oregon terroir than most single-appellation wines in this range. It is a straightforward, honest Pinot Noir that delivers on varietal character without pretension — and the screw cap and can formats prove the brand's commitment to making good wine genuinely accessible.