Green Valley

Here’s the quick lowdown on Green Valley, the wine appellation at the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley growing area where most Dutton Ranch vineyards are located.

The Russian River AVA (American Viticultural Appellation) includes those areas through which the Russian River or its tributaries flow, and, very importantly, where the coastal fog has a pronounced climatic effect. Because of its diversity, the Russian River Valley appellation has several sub-regions of which Green Valley is one.

The Green Valley is a recognized AVA in its own right. It’s colder than the rest of the Russian River area due to the maritime air streaming in throughout the growing season. Both the Russian River to the north and the Petaluma Wind Gap to the South provide conduits of cold air into the Green Valley. The coastal hills lying along its western border help to moderate the strong gales sweeping in from the ocean.

What all this means is that the area experiences a very long ripening season due to the cool nights and early morning fog, followed by warm days. These conditions give the grapes the right balance at ripeness; permitting us to pick mature fruit with good sugar levels, ripe tannins and high acid. This is the kind of fruit we want at Dutton-Goldfield.

According to Dan, "All winemaking comes from the grapes and what I do reflects the fruit, not my preconceived winemaking ideas. With great fruit, I interfere as little as possible — trying to be very gentle all along the way, and not fining or filtering prior to bottling. The fruit we receive from the Dutton Ranches is a winemaker’s dream."

Very dense and complex, Pinot Noir wines from the Green Valley appellation exhibit blackberry, blueberry and violet-floral characteristics. The Pinots also have great aging potential with a balance of elegance and power. The Chards show bright tangerine and green apple flavors, with great richness and firm acids.

For more on Green Valley, visit www.greenvalley-russianriver.com.