According to a recent article from Beverage Dynamics, Domaine Roy will soon be purchased by an Italy-based company, Marchesi Frescobaldi, located at 8351 NE Worden Hill Rd.
A representative of Domaine Roy or Marchesi Frescobaldi was not available for immediate comment per What Now Portland’s request.
While the official date for assumption has yet to be confirmed, according to Beverage Dynamic’s article, the transaction was expected to close by the end of July.
In the autumn of 2012, Marc-André Roy reached out to Jared Etzel with an intriguing proposition: a new wine venture. Instantly drawn by the allure of this idea, he enthusiastically agreed, provided they could secure a truly exceptional site for our endeavor.
Their quest for the perfect property commenced on a day marked by torrential rainfall, November 18th, 2012. To fuel their spirits and fortify them for the day ahead, they gathered with their fathers at the charming Red Hills Market for espressos. With eager anticipation, they set off towards the scenic Eola Hills, where they intended to explore potential locations.
As fate would have it, their journey took an unexpected turn when they received a call from a local vineyard real-estate expert. He informed them of a hidden gem—a 21-acre Filbert farm nestled on Worden Hill Road in Dundee. Intrigued by this opportunity, they swiftly decided to change course and redirected their car towards Dundee, abandoning their original plan of visiting the Eola property without a second thought.
By the day’s end, they had already submitted an offer for the property, and by April 2013, their dream began to take root as they planted the vineyard. They carefully selected ten clones of Pinot Noir and two clones of Chardonnay, ensuring a high-density average of 2310 vines per acre. The vineyard would later be christened the “Iron Filbert Vineyard,” a name honoring the iron-rich Jory soil series and the legacy of the Filbert orchard that had once flourished on the land, and thus, Domaine Roy was born, according to the company website.
As for Marchesi Frescobaldi, for over seven centuries, the family has graced the landscape of Tuscany with its unwavering commitment to viticulture and agriculture. Since the early 1300s, they have been producing wine, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s winemaking heritage. However, their impact extends far beyond the realm of wine, as the family’s lineage is interwoven with the stories of literary luminaries, intrepid explorers, accomplished musicians, astute financiers, revered bishops, and influential statesmen.
The archives of the Frescobaldi family hold a treasure trove of ancient documents and historical registers, spanning the ages and bearing witness to their enduring legacy. Among the relics are commercial contracts inked with various European Courts, dating as far back as the 13th century. These documents serve as a testament to the family’s long-standing involvement in trade and commerce, with wine as a cherished commodity. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Florentine wine house garnered international acclaim, supplying their exquisite wines to esteemed establishments such as the Court of England and the Papal Court in Rome. Their wines were sought after by nobility and clergy alike, a testament to their exceptional quality and refined craftsmanship.
The connections between the Frescobaldis and prominent artists of the Renaissance era are equally remarkable. Long before the Renaissance reached its zenith, the family had already established meaningful relationships and commercial ties with renowned artists like Donatello, Michelozzo Michelozzi, and Filippo Brunelleschi. These visionary artisans left an indelible mark on the world of art, just as the Frescobaldis did in the realm of viticulture.
Throughout their storied history, the Frescobaldi family has remained steadfast in their devotion to the land and its bounty. Their enduring commitment to agriculture and viticulture has not only shaped the landscape of Tuscany but has also enriched the world of wine and the arts. Today, the Frescobaldi family continues to embrace their heritage while looking towards the future, producing wines that are a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. As they carry forward their legacy, each bottle of wine they create is a testament to their unwavering dedication to excellence—a dedication that has persisted for centuries and will undoubtedly endure for many more to come, according to their website.
