Gathering Together Farm Wine Dinner - Territorial Riesling

On May 24, 2009 I had the pleasure of once again participating in a wine dinner at Gathering Together Farm, an organic farm in Philomath, OR. During the on-season the farm hosts a wine dinner once per month, pairing a 5-course gourmet dinner cooked onsite with local wine. Joining me on this journey were Nick, Kristen, and Chris from Block 15 Restaurant and Brewery; Rick, a budding wine blogger; and friends Gordon, Megan, and Alyssa. I bring to you the collaborative review of this event in a multi-part series:

2005 Territorial Riesling

A typical wine dinner pairs all courses with offerings from a single winery. This particular evening, though, we were treated to the wine buyer's selection of Willamette Valley wines. Waiting as we walked in the door was a glass of Territorial Riesling. Founded by two Lane County wine growing families, Territorial produces a variety of whites and Pinot Noir out of their facility in Eugene, OR.

Matched with some crackers and meat, we found that this wine was the perfect start for the evening. With 2% residual sugar, the off-dry style gave a little sweetness that was just right -- it treated the palate without being overwhelming. Even Rick, an avowed fan of reds who typically avoids riesling, enjoyed this one. Another notch on the sugar would have definitely taken it out of his range. With an alcohol content of 11%, this vintage retails at $15 per bottle and is available throughout the valley.

Keep your eyes on the blog over the next two weeks as we work through the courses and wines of this dinner. Next up, the amuse bouche and Emerson Pinot Gris. In the meantime, if you can make it out to the farm for a dinner or weekend breakfast - do it. Unfortunately for you all, the wine dinners are all booked for the remainder of this year, but they have good food all the time.