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Rollin Soles

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description Rollin Soles Overview

Rollin Soles is an American winemaker best known as the co-founder of Argyle Winery, established in 1987 in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. He played a significant role in establishing the region's reputation for producing high-quality, traditional-method sparkling wines. By utilizing the cool climate of the Pacific Northwest, Soles successfully cultivated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes specifically suited for sparkling wine production. Under his guidance, Argyle became a prominent name in American sparkling wine, catering to consumers seeking traditional vintage bubbly.

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What winery did Rollin Soles co-found in Oregon?

Rollin Soles co-founded Argyle Winery in 1987 in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Argyle became particularly renowned for its traditional-method sparkling wines, which helped establish Oregon's reputation for high-quality sparkling wine production alongside its better-known Pinot Noir.

What is Rollin Soles known for in Oregon winemaking?

Rollin Soles is widely credited as a pioneer of traditional-method sparkling wine production in the Willamette Valley. By applying the labor-intensive méthode champenoise to Oregon-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, he helped demonstrate that the region's cool climate could produce sparkling wines of exceptional quality.

Did Rollin Soles make still wines as well as sparkling?

Yes, in addition to sparkling wines, Argyle Winery under Soles's direction produced still Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that earned critical acclaim. Oregon's Willamette Valley is particularly well suited to these Burgundian varieties due to its cool climate and marine sedimentary soils.

What is Rollin Soles doing now after Argyle?

After his long tenure at Argyle Winery, Rollin Soles went on to focus on his own label, R. L. Soles Wines, continuing to produce both sparkling and still wines in the Willamette Valley. His post-Argyle projects maintain his focus on the varieties that made him a regional pioneer.