Russian River valley neighborhoods

Great Pinot Noir starts with a great location. The Russian River Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) is a vast and diversified region that is home to many Burgundy-style wines. The region is a moderate climate region that is nearby the Pacific Ocean. Its currents sweep down the north coast and bring its cool influence into the region. The cool clouds and fog enter into the valley over the coastal hills, from the mouth of the Russian River and through the Petaluma Gap. Vineyard locations can vary in coolness and warmth. Generally, it is cooler in the south and western sides of the AVA than the north and east sides. This is one of the greatest influences of wine styles for the AVA.

As a Burgundian varietal, Pinot Noir thrives in the moderate climate region of the Russian River. The cooler climate helps to lengthen the season of this fast growing variety by building more aromas. Pinot also enjoys the diurnal temperature differences between the daily high and low to aid in building acid in the grapes. This makes this large AVA a prime location for Pinot Noir.

Research from the late 1990s shows the AVA varies and creates different style wines based in different sub-regions. Informally, some winemakers and local organizations have adopted the research and concept of the five additional neighborhoods (other than the already recognized Green Valley of the Russian River). James Maclan is a guide to help you see the differences and explore them with your own adventure. Join along as Maclan continues to venture into each Neighborhood!

“Russian River Valley wine ‘neighborhoods’ invite exploration,” The Press Democrat

Discover Neighborhoods, Russian River Valley Winegrowers

Russian river Vineyards & Neighborhoods

Our Growers

Hogan’s Run Vineyard - Middle Reach

Orsi Vineyard (Willowside Rd.) - Santa Rosa Plains

Gunsalus Vineyard - Green Valley of the Russian River Valley (coming ‘25)

high quality fruit

All the fruit selected is sustainably grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The canopy is managed for balance. Leaves are removed by hand to allow for dappled sunlight around the fruit. One technique Maclan employs is tunnel leafing, which removes leaves internally, leaving the outer leaves. This style leafing does not damage the fruit, protects it from from sunburn, and is open internally to allow for airflow. The fruit is thinned for vine balance and to allow for the remaining fruit to ripen evenly. The fruit is only hand harvested and sorted at night. This all helps to preserve the fruit’s delicate profile, keeping it cool and ready for ideal processing at the winery.

Authentically Elegant Wine

The recently harvested fruit arrives at the winery in the early morning when it is sorted and most of it de-stemmed. Maclan chooses to keep some whole clusters and cold soak it all together as only natural yeast from the vineyard kicks off fermentation in open top fermenter tanks. The open top fermenters keep the fruit at an ideal temperature, help to get access to the wine for punch downs (assisting with color and flavors), and keep the cap moist. Minimally effective sulfur is used throughout the winemaking process.

Wine Aging

The wine is then aged sur lie in new and old French oak (see link here to our cooper), racking as minimally as possible to allow the lees and oak to do their jobs. Early in malolactic fermentation, as each barrel requires, we help balance the mouth-feel by conducting batonnage of the lees. At bottling, we use a lower weight bottle that is more environmentally friendly and Diam brand cork (see link here for Diam). This ensures the wine is sealed with the highest of quality cork closure. This all comes together to bring a lower alcohol wine with authentic flavors of the vineyard to your glass!

Bottling

At bottling, we use a lower weight bottle that is more environmentally friendly and Diam brand cork (see link here for Diam). This ensures the wine is sealed with the highest of quality cork closure. This all comes together to bring a lower alcohol wine with authentic flavors of the vineyard to your glass!

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