Lingua Franca is an American winery located in the heart of the extraordinary Eola-Amity Hills wine region in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The winery, acquired in 2012 by Larry Stone, in partnership with renowned viticulturist Dominique Lafon and winemaker Thomas Savre, is now part of the Constellation brands. Lingua Franca produces high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, following low-impact, organic, and biodynamic farming principles.
The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced approximately one-third from selected blocks within the estate and approximately two-thirds from neighboring vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills, including Hope Well, the South Salem Hills, and Yamhill-Carlton. After hand-picking, fermentation occurs (separately depending on the provenance) spontaneously in medium to large stainless steel and concrete tanks. The finished wines rest for 1 year in French oak barrels (27% new) before final blending.
Pinot Noir Avni is a lively, floral, and fragrant wine, with a broad and joyful aromatic profile with notes of blackcurrant and raspberry, cherry, and rose petals, followed by hints of sweet spices, aromatic herbs, and tea leaves. On the palate, it is juicy and soft with a medium body, a well-defined acidity, and a pleasant mineral vein. The tannins are taut and well-integrated. The finish is long and harmoniously fruity. In food pairings, it is a versatile wine: it goes well with white meats and salmon, tomato tarts, and mushroom risottos.