Bow & Arrow

a Portland-based urban winery, is the vision of Scott Frank, a winemaker who has forged a unique path in the heart of Oregon's Pinot Noir country. With a deep admiration for the wines of France's Loire Valley, Frank has set out to create a distinct style of Oregon wine that is a departure from the region's more common Burgundian-inspired expressions. His technical approach is a deliberate homage to the "humble," food-friendly, and vibrant wines of the Loire.

Terroir: The Other Side of the Willamette Valley

While many of Oregon's winemakers focus on the "grand" terroir of the Willamette Valley, Scott Frank has a different perspective. He sees and celebrates the "blue-collar," agricultural side of the region, and his winemaking is a reflection of this.

• Willamette Valley Diversity: Instead of focusing on a single AVA, Bow & Arrow sources grapes from a small group of carefully selected growers across the Willamette Valley. This allows them to work with a range of microclimates and soils, from the marine-influenced Van Duzer Corridor to the Chehalem Mountains.

• Clay-Dominated Soils: Frank often highlights the "relatively simple, clay dominated soils" of the Willamette Valley, which he sees as more akin to the Loire than to Burgundy. These soils contribute to the refreshing acidity and mineral-driven character of his wines.

• Organic and Biodynamic Farming: The winemaking begins in the vineyard, where Frank partners with growers who are committed to sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming. These growers were willing to take a risk by grafting or planting the specific Loire varieties that Frank wanted, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of Oregon wine.

Winemaking: A Low-Intervention, Loire-Inspired Approach

In the cellar, Frank's approach is characterized by minimal intervention and a commitment to drinkability. He seeks to craft wines that are serious and well-made but remain approachable and "working-class" in spirit.

• Loire Valley Varietals: The heart of Bow & Arrow's portfolio lies in its focus on Loire Valley varieties. This includes white grapes like Melon de Bourgogne and Chenin Blanc, as well as reds like Gamay and Cabernet Franc. He also crafts a Pinot Noir, but it is made in a different style, often with some carbonic maceration to create a "fresh, crunchy" wine that is reminiscent of Sancerre Rouge.

• Native Yeast Fermentation: All of their wines are fermented using indigenous yeasts, a practice that allows the true character of the vineyard to shine through. This leads to a more complex and authentic wine that is a direct expression of the site.

• Minimalist Cellar Practices: Frank's winemaking is guided by a "low-intervention" philosophy. This means he uses a gentle touch in the cellar, with minimal fining, filtering, and sulfur additions. The result is a wine that is vibrant and full of energy.

• Mixed Vessel Aging: Bow & Arrow utilizes a variety of aging vessels, including old barriques, puncheons, and concrete tanks. The use of neutral oak and other non-reactive materials ensures that the wine's character is not masked by wood flavors, allowing the fruit and the terroir to be the star.

• "Drinkability" as a Guiding Principle: The overarching goal for Frank is to create wines that are "drinkable" and food-friendly. This means wines with balanced acidity, moderate alcohol, and a fresh, lively character. His wines are not about power or prestige; they are about honesty and a simple pleasure that can be enjoyed with an everyday meal.

Bow & Arrow is a technical and philosophical outlier in Oregon. By rejecting the Burgundian mold and embracing a Loire Valley-inspired approach, Scott Frank has not only created a unique brand but has also demonstrated the incredible versatility of the Willamette Valley, proving that its terroir can produce a diverse range of styles and expressions.