Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley is just across the northern border of Sonoma in Mendocino County, about a two-hour drive from San Francisco. It has a steep rugged terrain with coastal redwoods and Douglas Fir. It is nearly 15 miles long and a mile wide.
The northwestern corridor is low-lying and located 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, channeling cool breezes, rain and fog from the coast. The marine influence and geology are ideally suited for cool climate grape varietals such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The southern half is warmer being further from the ocean. Because of these fluctuations in the weather, Pinot Noir from the northwest can be higher in acidity with more savory notes.
The Anderson family settled here in 1851 planting apple orchards. Italian immigrants followed in 1894 planting some of the first vineyards. It wasn’t until 1968 that Pinot Noir was first cultivated by Husch Vineyards.
Anderson Valley has also become a haven for sparkling wines producers. Champagne Louis Roederer established their sparkling wine facility, Roederer Estate in 1982, bringing notoriety to the region. A very promising region for Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley has expanded to 62 wineries and 90 vineyards, many of which are family owned.
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is known for its vibrant acidity and elegance as well as aromas and flavors of red and black fruit (raspberry, black cherry, cranberry, plum) backed up by herbal, savory, earthy, and floral notes. These wines can be graceful and elegant without being imposing.
