Sunday School

WINE

Chenin Blanc Blend “Time Machine,” Bow & Arrow, ’23

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Bow & Arrow is the Portland-based winery of Scott and Dana Frank, who have built their project around a love of Loire Valley wines and a desire to do things a little differently in Oregon. Rather than following the Willamette Valley's usual Pinot Noir playbook, they focus on Loire-inspired grapes like Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Melon de Bourgogne. “Time Machine” is a little trip back to those French roots, with a distinctly Oregon twist.

The 2023 is made primarily from Chenin Blanc, with splashes of Chardonnay and Melon de Bourgogne (the grape behind Muscadet). The fruit comes from several Willamette Valley vineyards, and each variety gets its own fermentation and aging treatment, using a mix of stainless steel, concrete, older barrels, and larger oak casks. It's a thoughtful approach that builds texture while keeping the wine fresh and lively.

Expect bright citrus, tangerine, pear, and juicy stone fruit, with a little floral lift and a cool, stony edge. Chenin brings the energy and acidity, Chardonnay adds a bit of roundness, and Melon keeps everything crisp and mineral. “Time Machine” is a little Loire Valley daydream with an Oregon return address. Fresh, textured, and wonderfully unfussy, it's proof that sometimes the best way forward is a little trip back in time.

$15 glass‍ ‍•  $10 glass

CHEESE

Valençay

Loire Valley, France · Goat–P

With its charming pyramid shape and elegant ash coating, Valençay is a French classic with quite the story to tell. This gorgeous goat’s milk cheese hails from France’s Loire Valley, affectionately known as the “Garden of France, ” and is one of five AOC-protected cheeses from the region. Its distinctive truncated pyramid shape comes with a fun bit of legend: Napoleon, frustrated by his military failings in Egypt, supposedly demanded that the pointed tops be chopped off!

Beneath its beautiful ash-coated rind lies a velvety, delicate paste. The ash helps protect the cheese, encourages happy mold growth, and balances the bright acidity at its center. Expect a delightful combination of lactic creaminess and minerality. A deliciously complex little cheese with a fascinating history and unmistakable French charm!

$9‍ ‍•  $6