The Russian River Valley is an American Viticultural Area, or AVA, of Sonoma County, centered on the Russian River. This beautiful and diverse region is home to incredible wines, and consistently produces some of the world’s top Pinot Noirs. For as long as grapes have been planted in the Russian River Valley, farmers have insisted on differences in fruit planted in different areas. At first glance, although not so easily recognizable, Russian River functions as a wealth of microclimates. Simultaneously one could experience a warm afternoon in Healdsburg, while it is quite chilly and brisk just down the 101 in Sebastopol. Temperatures throughout the day aren’t the only variation this area offers. Russian River Valley contains more soil types than all of France, including Franciscan, Goldridge, volcanic, clay, and alluvial. There are also differences in elevation and exposure to water from the Pacific Ocean and Petaluma Gap. As AVA designations have only been solidified since the 1980s, these significant differences are being brought to light by those who know best. Local farmers, growers, and winemakers have come together to form the Russian River Valley Neighbors Initiative. Insight that can only come from those so deeply invested in the land is provided from names such as the Davis Family, Williams Selyem, Kanzler, and Kosta Browne, to name a few. For decades, these winemakers have speculated specific differences in their wines based on location. While this type of definition functions as the backbone for Old World wine-making, (Burgundy for example), the New World simply does not have the history to support such claims. Or did not, until recently.
In 2015 a study at UC Davis took soil samples to determine how specific these differences could be. What they discovered completely confirmed the initiative’s theory-each location did indeed scientifically identify with its own unique ‘fingerprint’. Here was tangible proof, something more definable than the nuances of a taster’s experience. This information was groundbreaking for all involved. While not only affirming the intuitive awareness of the initiative, producers were able to point to the elaborate stories of the wine they were making. The ‘neighborhoods’ designated would allow wine lovers exposure to both a subjective experience, as well as elements rooted in factual differences. Alex Kanzler, who is personally involved with the initiative stated: “These growers and makers want consumers around the world to know that they are visiting and drinking from someplace with exceptional range and that there is always something new to try. We want people to keep coming back. You can’t just check it off the list. Keep the intrigue going.”
There are currently 6 defined neighborhoods-Middle Reach, Santa Rosa Plains, Laguna Ridge, Green Valley, Sebastopol Hills and Eastern Hills. While there is no rush to solidify through technical definition, or to further complicate the AVA designations, this is still one step further in telling an authentic story of the beautifully complex Russian River Valley.