In the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, tucked among the scenic hills and rich terroir, lies Résonance Winery, an estate owned by Burgundy’s renowned Maison Louis Jadot. The Willamette Valley is one of America’s finest wine regions, with 11 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and is particularly known for producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In a recent interview with Guillaume Large, the winemaker, we discuss the journey of this exceptional winery, its Burgundian heritage, and its unique place in Oregon’s thriving wine scene.

Guillaume Large, who moved from Burgundy to Oregon on August 17, 2017, shared his personal and professional story during our visit. Born in the famous wine region of Mâconnais in Burgundy, However, Large grew up “in a small village next to Macon in Vinzel. This is an area of Pouilly-Fuissez, Pouilly-Vinzel, Pouilly-Locher.” Surrounded by vineyards, although his family did not work directly in the wine industry. Yet, his connection to the land and its wines was predestined. After joining Louis Jadot, one of Burgundy’s oldest and most prestigious wineries founded in 1859, Large was eventually called to lead Jadot’s first venture outside of France—the Résonance project in Oregon.

The Appeal of the Willamette Valley

Why would a historic French winemaker like Louis Jadot choose the Willamette Valley as the site for its first non-Burgundian project? The answer lies in the similarities between the two regions. The Willamette Valley shares many of the key geographical and climatic traits with Burgundy, making it an ideal location for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Large emphasized that Oregon’s location along the 45th parallel, its protected valley, and its varied geology provide the perfect conditions for these grape varieties. The Coast Range Mountains shield the vineyards from excessive rain and wind, while the valley’s steep, rocky slopes ensure that the vines develop deep, complex flavors.

Large spoke with passion about the valley’s “energy”—a word he used often to describe the life force of the soil, the vineyards, and the wines themselves. This energy, which comes from the valley’s unique soils and climate, allows Résonance, according to Large, to produce wines that are expressive, vibrant, and distinct from their Burgundian counterparts.

Résonance Winery Vineyards and the AVAs

During the interview, we discussed Résonance’s vineyards and the specific AVAs where they grow their grapes. As I mentioned earlier, the Willamette Valley is divided into 11 AVAs, each with its own microclimate and soil composition, and each imparting a distinct character to the wines produced there. Résonance’s vineyards span three AVAs—Yamhill-Carlton, Dundee Hills, and Eola-Amity Hills—each offering a unique expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

1. Yamhill-Carlton AVA: Résonance’s main vineyard, located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, (on the northwest of the Willamette Valley, one hour south of Portland) is where our journey began. The soils here are ancient marine sedimentary, some of the oldest in the valley, which Large described as contributing a unique minerality to the wines. Résonance Vineyard, planted in the early 1980s, features ungrafted Pinot Noir vines, a rarity that speaks to the vineyard’s authenticity and the purity of its expression. The Yamhill-Carlton AVA, with its proximity to the Coast Range Mountains, also benefits from a rain shadow effect, which helps to protect the vines and allows for organic dry farming—something Résonance is committed to across all its vineyards.

2. Dundee Hills AVA: As we moved to the Dundee Hills AVA, Large highlighted the dramatic difference in soil composition. This AVA is known for its red volcanic soils, which impart a distinctive elegance and balance to the wines. Résonance’s Découverte Vineyard in the Dundee Hills is a beautiful natural amphitheater-shaped vineyard planted with Pinot Noir and 

Chardonnay. The rich, red volcanic soils create wines with a vibrant, energetic profile that is unmistakable in both aroma and flavor. As Large described, the wines from this AVA are a true reflection of the volcanic terroir, offering red fruit notes and a finely tuned acidity.

3. Eola-Amity Hills AVA: The final stop on our vineyard tour was the Koussa Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This high-elevation site, with its steep slopes and volcanic soils, is predominantly planted with Chardonnay. The cool breezes from the Van Duzer Corridor moderate the vineyard’s temperatures, creating ideal conditions for producing wines with freshness, precision, and intensity. Large spoke with excitement about the potential of this vineyard, particularly for Chardonnay, which he believes is beginning to find its true expression in the Willamette Valley.

Bridging Burgundy and Oregon

Throughout the interview, Large was intentional to point out that Résonance is not trying to replicate Burgundy in Oregon. Rather, the goal is to honor the terroir of the Willamette Valley while using the winemaking techniques honed over generations in Burgundy. This approach allows Résonance to produce wines that are true to their Oregon roots, yet refined with the precision and elegance that defines Louis Jadot’s wines.

Large shared insights into the challenges and rewards of working in a new wine region. In Burgundy, there are strict limitations on planting new vineyards, but in Oregon, there is room for experimentation and creativity. 

This freedom has allowed Résonance to explore new techniques, such as high-density planting and Massal selection, which involve planting a diversity of clones to enhance the complexity of the wines. Large called this approach both exciting and humbling, as it requires a deep understanding of the land and the patience to wait for the vines to fully express their potential.

The Future of Oregon’s Wine Industry

As our conversation drew to a close, Large reflected on the future of the Willamette Valley. He believes that the region is still in its early days, especially compared to the centuries-old vineyards of Burgundy. However, he is confident that the Willamette Valley’s best wines are yet to come. With each passing year, as the vines mature and winemakers continue to learn from the land, the wines of the Willamette Valley will only grow in complexity and quality.

For those who cannot visit the vineyards in person, Large has a simple solution—look for the vineyard and AVA information on the label. Résonance makes it easy for consumers to identify the origin of their wines, just as they do in Burgundy. Additionally, Résonance uses color-coded labels to help consumers associate the wine with the specific vineyard and its corresponding terroir.

Experience the Journey

If you’re curious to learn more about Guillaume Large’s journey from Burgundy to Oregon, the history of Résonance Winery, and the unique terroirs of the Willamette Valley, I invite you to watch the full interview on YouTube. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a winemaker and the nuances of a region that is quickly becoming one of the most exciting in the world for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

For wine professionals and enthusiasts alike, Résonance Winery provides a beautiful connection between the Old World and the New, showcasing the potential of Oregon’s AVAs while honoring the traditions of Burgundy. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience these remarkable wines and learn more about this extraordinary region.

Watch the full interview with Guillaume Large