Russian River Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Russian River Valley AVA is located on 155,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. Situated on the Russian River, the appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and has over 10,000 acres currently under vine. The soil of the Russian River Valley varies by region. Layers of volcanic ash and eroded bedrock have created a sandstone that cover most of the region. Near the Russian River itself, there is alluvial soil, and in the northern most region, clay soil is abundant. The variety of soils gives the Russian River Valley a great range in the profiles of its varietals. The Russian River Valley's feature characteristic is its cool climate, generated by fog and coastal breezes due to the valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The area features varietals known to grow well in cool climates. The region is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production.

Dry Creek Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Dry Creek Valley AVA is located on 9,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. Dry Creek received its designation as an AVA in 1983. The region is located northwest of the town of Healdsburg on Dry Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. The areas signature loamy soil is well drained and fertile dirt that produces good crops of flavorful grapes. The nearby coastal mountain range keeps cool marine temperatures at bay, allowing for daily high temperatures during the height of the growing season. The surrounding mountains provide a channel for the coastal breezes and fog to come in at night, dramatically dropping temperatures. The long, warm days allow the fruit to ripen fully while cool evenings enable the grapes to mature slowly and retain their acidity and balance. The region is perfectly suited to the production of Zinfandel and, as a result, Zinfandel grapes have been grown here for over 140 years. In addition to Zinfandel, the region has become quite famous for its world-class production of Sauvignon Blanc.

2013 Calstar Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - Wine of the Day

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2013 Calstar Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

$30

The Sonoma Coast, a world-renowned growing region southwest of the Russian River and just six miles from the Pacific Ocean is known worldwide for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and microclimates that contribute to slow grape maturation and optimum ripeness.  Small lots of fruit were sourced from eight exceptional Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley vineyards exclusively for Calstar Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.   The sites span the depth and width of the appellation – from the cool Green Valley knoll of Halleck to the Petaluma Gap site of Sangiacomo – bringing great complexity and cellaring potential to this bottling. 

Deeply scarlet ruby in color, the 2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir showcases the best of a spectacular vintage.  On the nose, quintessential aromas of dried cherry, raspberries and black tea are highlighted by spiced orange, cedar and red Santa Rosa plum.   The ripeness of the vintage is balanced by bright stone fruit acidity and refreshing minerality – an undertone of toasty oak and sweet spice brings the palate into focus.  Fine grained, yet coating, tannins and strawberry spice finish make this Pinot Noir an easy match for almost any food pairing.

Calistoga - Wine Region of the Day

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Calistoga by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Calistoga received its AVA status in 2010 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA located on in the northern portion of the Napa Valley. Calistoga's soil is almost exclusively volcanic, providing a consistency throughout the region. The daily high temperatures up to 100 degrees and cool nightly breezes from the Russian River cause the highest diurnal temperature variation in the Napa Valley. This temperature fluctuation along with the volcanic soil creates wines with big bright flavors and deep complexity and well-balanced acid. The region is known for its Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Green Valley of Russian River Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Green Valley of Russian River Valley

Photo of the Green Valley of Russian River Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA is located on 19,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. The Green Valley of Russian River Valley received its AVA distinction in 1983. The area is known for its sandy and well-draining soil and low fertility, causing the grapes to develop slowly on the vine and retain balance and acidity. The region is a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA, and its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean breeze and fog make it one of the coolest appellations within Sonoma County. The cold climate in the Green Valley favors the cultivation of cool climate varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.