The Hidden Gem of California Wine

By Gina Trippi

Anderson Valley is the hidden gem of California winemaking.

Located in Mendocino County known for its cool climate and producing vines bearing crisp white grapes including Chardonnay and, also, the popular red varietal Pinot Noir.

Anderson Valley is a very small region about 110 miles northwest of San Francisco, stretching only 15 miles starting in northern Mendocino at the tip of Cloverdale and goes northwest to the Pacific Ocean. The area produces limited amounts but spectacular wines.

Two wineries have excelled in blending California grapes with French style.

Louis Roederer founded Roederer Estate in the heart of Anderson Valley using exclusively estate-grown fruit for their sparkling wine made in the méthode traditionelle.

While most Champagne houses seeking a new world presence chose Napa and Sonoma, Roederer was drawn to the rugged beauty and cool climate of a then remote wine region, Anderson Valley.

The proximity of Anderson Valley to the Pacific Ocean makes it the coolest wine growing region in California. The cool air allows grapes to ripen slowly thereby developing complexity and balanced acidity.

The elevated terrain provides a most suitable foundation for the vines with soils formed from weathered sandstone, mudstone, and alluvial deposits.

Combining California fruit with the winemaking heritage and traditions of France, Roederer has produced a highly regarded sparkling wine of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir.

Awarding 90 points to the Roederer Brut, Wine Enthusiast said: “This bottling is crisp, lively and exuberant, with concentrated and youthful fruit. Fuji apple, sweet Bosc pear, ripe white nectarine, white strawberry, Rainier cherry, and buttery brioche intertwine deliciously with lime cream mousse.”

We were also very impressed when we were introduced to Saracina Pinot Noir 2022 from Anderson Valley. You could taste the Burgundy structure laid over the California grapes.

Saracina is located in the rugged terrain of northern California near the bank of the Russian River, producing excellent wines from vineyards that have been Certified Sustainable by the state of California.

The area is ringed by giant redwoods with cooling Pacific Ocean air passing over the ridge making this a near perfect place for the Pinot Noir grape to grow. This biodiverse estate is home to olive trees over 140 years in the ground, vegetable gardens, beehives, alpacas, goats and a variety of wildlife.

Grapes were harvested by hand and fermented in internationally known and sought after Francois Freres Barrels. For over 100 years, generations have made Francois Freres Barrels in the heart of Burgundy.

The 2022 Anderson Valley Saracina Pinot Noir can be described as both delicate and elegant. Perfumed aromas of raspberry and ripe black cherry with an earthy foundation float into the palate and stay through a long finish. The wine is balanced and very food friendly.

So now you know about the hidden gem. Shop Anderson Valley Wines at Metro Wine on Charlotte Street.

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