Winemaker Alban Debeaulieu of Abbott Claim joins Billy to share how a historic 1855 Oregon land claim became one of the Willamette Valley’s most distinctive estates. Alban details his path from France’s Rhône Valley and Burgundy to Oregon, the marine-sandstone soils of Yamhill-Carlton, and how his team farms organically and ages wines 18 months on gross lees for depth and longevity.
He explains his low-intervention philosophy, whole-cluster choices, and why Oregon deserves its own identity apart from Burgundy. The episode also explores Oregon Chardonnay’s rise and the vintage challenges shaping the region today.
Key Topics
• Origins of Abbott Claim and its 1855 land deed
• Yamhill-Carlton marine-sandstone terroir
• Organic and biodynamic-inspired farming
• Gross-lees aging and its impact on texture
• Whole-cluster fermentation philosophy
• Oregon Chardonnay and regional evolution
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:23 Meet Alban W: Winemaker from Willamette Valley
01:07 The Story of Abbott Claim Vineyard
06:35 Alban’s Journey in the Wine Industry
11:50 Exploring the Unique Terroir of Abbott Claim
29:57 Challenges of Erosion and Soil Management
30:35 Viticulture Practices and Whole Cluster Usage
33:50 Oregon Growing Season and Climate Impact
37:03 Organic and Biodynamic Farming Techniques
46:11 Oregon Chardonnay and Winemaking Philosophy
The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.
Cheers!
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