Belle Glos Pinot Noir is made in various wine-growing regions across California. The winery focuses on showcasing the unique characteristics of each region through their distinct Pinot Noirs. Let's explore some of the specific locations where Belle Glos wines are produced.
1. Santa Maria Valley: Located in Santa Barbara County, the Santa Maria Valley is known for its cool climate and maritime influence. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings in cool fog and breezes, which are ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The region's well-drained soils also contribute to producing wines with bright acidity and elegant flavors.
2. Sonoma Coast: The Sonoma Coast appellation stretches along the Pacific coastline, encompassing diverse microclimates. This region experiences a wide range of temperature variations and is heavily influenced by fog and wind. The cooler temperatures and longer growing season allow for slow ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with intense flavors, vibrant acidity, and excellent structure.
3. Las Alturas Vineyard: Situated in the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation in Monterey County, the Las Alturas Vineyard is known for its high elevation and proximity to the ocean. The vineyard is nestled on terraces overlooking the Salinas Valley, and the cool, foggy mornings and sunny afternoons create ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir. The combination of well-drained soils and the maritime climate produces wines with richness, depth, and complexity.
4. Dairyman Vineyard: Located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, the Dairyman Vineyard benefits from the region's cool climate and foggy mornings. The vineyard is characterized by its Goldridge sandy loam soils, which provide excellent drainage for the vines. The combination of the region's climate and soil type results in Pinot Noir with ripe fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a distinct minerality.
5. Clark & Telephone Vineyard: Situated in the Santa Maria Valley, the Clark & Telephone Vineyard is named after the nearby road intersection. The vineyard experiences a cool climate influenced by the marine layer and breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The site's sandy loam soils contribute to the wine's structure and elegance, while the cool temperatures help retain natural acidity and develop concentrated flavors.
Each of these vineyard locations offers a unique expression of Pinot Noir, influenced by factors such as fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type. Belle Glos carefully selects grapes from these coastal regions to craft their exceptional Pinot Noirs, capturing the essence of each terroir.