La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Description

La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is made from grapes sourced from the Russian River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Sonoma County. It is one of the most prestigious AVAs in the USA and was created in 1983 (and enlarged in 2005). 

Founded over 30 years ago, La Crema began life at their Russian River Valley estate. Over the years, however, they have specialised in sourcing grapes from California’s cool coastal regions including Russian River Valley, Los Carneros, Anderson Valley, Sonoma Coast and Monterey. To this one can now add their exciting new project in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Head Winemaker, Craig McAllister, employs a combination of traditional Burgundian wine-making techniques and modern Californian style. La Crema Winery specialises in cool climate wines, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in particular; however, in recent years other grape varieties have joined the portfolio including Pinot Gris, Marsanne and Roussanne.

The Russian River Valley is characterised by its cool climate. It is heavily affected by cool morning fogs generated by the valley’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific’s influence moderates the warm days of the growing season allowing grapes to ripen and develop slowly. The unique weather patterns combined with a diversity of well-draining soils make the appellation very well suited to produce cool-climate Pinot Noir. 

The 100% Pinot Noir fruit for the La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is mainly hand-picked and gently de-stemmed, with 70% whole berries in tank. This is then cold-soaked at 48°F for 3-5 days. Fermentation takes place in open-top tanks and the cap is punched down 3 times per day during active fermentation. After alcoholic fermentation, the free run was transferred to
tank for one night of settling before racking to new and used French oak barrels. The wine was aged for 8 to 9 months and there was no racking out of barrels until blending before bottling.