Cornell Introduction to Wines (HADM 4300) Midterm Practice Test

Stainless steel fermentation is used to keep Pinot Gris bright, fresh, and zippy in acidity, without introducing oak flavors. Erath Pinot Gris is described as being stainless steel fermented, which means the wine was fermented in neutral stainless vessels rather than in oak barrels. This approach preserves the clean fruit aromas and crisp, mineral-like finish that Pinot Gris from Oregon is known for.

Aging in French oak would typically add vanilla or spice notes and a fuller, oak-influenced texture, which isn’t the profile usually targeted for this varietal in Oregon. The notions of “100% vintage Oregon” and “blend of AVAs” relate to geographic labeling and do not describe fermentation method.