Purity & Place: Abbott Claim’s Alban Debeaulieu on Crafting Modern Oregon Classics

Winemaker Alban Debeaulieu of Abbott Claim joins Billy to share how a historic 1855 Oregon land claim became one of the Willamette Valley’s most distinctive estates. Alban details his path from France’s Rhône Valley and Burgundy to Oregon, the marine-sandstone soils of Yamhill-Carlton, and how his team farms organically and ages wines 18 months on gross lees for depth and longevity. He explains his low-intervention philosophy, whole-cluster choices, and why Oregon deserves its own identity apart from Burgundy. The episode also explores Oregon Chardonnay’s rise and the vintage challenges shaping the region today. Key Topics • Origins of Abbott Claim and its 1855 land deed • Yamhill-Carlton marine-sandstone terroir • Organic and biodynamic-inspired farming • Gross-lees aging and its impact on texture • Whole-cluster fermentation philosophy • Oregon Chardonnay and regional evolution Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:23 Meet Alban W: Winemaker from Willamette Valley 01:07 The Story of Abbott Claim Vineyard 06:35 Alban’s Journey in the Wine Industry 11:50 Exploring the Unique Terroir of Abbott Claim 29:57 Challenges of Erosion and Soil Management 30:35 Viticulture Practices and Whole Cluster Usage 33:50 Oregon Growing Season and Climate Impact 37:03 Organic and Biodynamic Farming Techniques 46:11 Oregon Chardonnay and Winemaking Philosophy The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com. Cheers!