Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a notoriously finicky grape that wants ideal conditions to produce the most delicious wine outcomes. So what makes the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County an ideal spot for Pinot Noir to grow?
The short answer is: Pinot Noir loves the perfect combination of Russian River Valley terroir and cool climate!
Ideal Climate for Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir loves that the Russian River Valley has a cool climate in the mornings and evenings. Pinot needs more time on the vine to develop its tannins, which is why it prefers a cooler climate than some other red grape varietals. The marine layer can take full credit for this.
The deep trench of very cold water off Sonoma’s coast line hosts a fog bank. As temperatures increase in the central part of the state, the cold air from the Pacific, and the fog bank, are pulled over the region. As a result, even if the temperatures are 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer days, temperatures drop to 55 degrees in the evenings in our area. This halts the maturation process and allows the Pinot Noir grapes to hang longer and develop richer, more complex flavors.
Ideal Soil Conditions for Pinot Noir
The Russian River Valley also has a variety of terroir, making it one of the best Pinot Noir-growing regions in the United States. At Olivet Grange Vineyard (OGV), our Pinot Noir vines love the sandy loam soil. Learn more about the Russian River Valley neighborhoods and soil types here.
Learn more about how we farm our Olivet Grange Vineyard here, where we grow Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.