Chehalem Down Under

The seventh annual Rugby Union World Cup, held this year in New Zealand, included a serious wine tasting competition in conjunction with the organized form of goal-oriented mayhem on the field.

Called the battle of the “All Whites,” a panel of judges from around the world evaluated white wines from countries taking part in the World Cup. The competition title was a play on the “All Blacks,” New Zealand’s renowned national rugby team.

Not incidentally, the All Blacks came away with the cup this year, while at the tasting, two U.S. wineries swept the Pinot Gris category; Oregon’s Chehalem (2008) and California’s Etude emerged as winners against strong competition from France and Italy.

Accolades to Chehalem owner and winemaker Harry Peterson-Nedry who has demonstrated yet again that Oregon Pinot Gris is a top contender in the global marketplace.