Crops, like fortunes, fluctuate in cycles that cannot necessarily be understood by taking a short view. The economics of farming is complex. Today apples prices are depressed everywhere, influenced by low prices on the world market. The demand for grapes, especially ultra-premium grapes, is high. Grapes Myriad grape varietals thrive in the fertile alluvial soils of Russian River Valley, and because of the relatively moderate days, they develop their flavors slowly, which in turn results in wines with depth, finesse and regional character.
Foggy nights enhance the acid necessary for a properly balanced wine.
Many of Sonoma County's best-known vintners are here, including Korbel, of course, DeLoach Winery, Hanna Winery, Mark West Springs Winery, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Hop Kiln Winery. Chardonnay, both for still and sparkling wine, is highly successful in the Russian River Valley, and J. Rochioli's sauvignon blanc is considered one of the best examples of the varietal in the state. There are scattered vineyards of old-vine zinfandel, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, a clone of gamay known as Valdiguie, and more than a dozen other varietals. Yet a single grape may be responsible for the frenzy of attention Russian River Valley is currently enjoying. It's the Pinot Everyone, it seems, wants pinot noir from this valley, and well they should.