Varietals Grown

CABERNET IS KING amongst the vines.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON is the most widely grown varietal in Alexander Valley with best results in the foothills, slopes and mountains of the eastern side of the valley, which is the western side
of the Mayacama Mountains.

Vigorous, late budding and late ripening. Thrives in well-drained gravelly soils, Cabernet Sauvignon grows best in warm, hot arid regions and perfect in Alexander Valley, the warmest winegrowing appellation
in Sonoma County.

Deep, dark in color, bold tannin structure, and relatively high in acid structure.

Alexander Valley characteristics: Black fruit, dry tobacco, dry herbs, dusty, less gritty, dry, elegantly structured, therefore very age-worthy.

MERLOT, one of the world’s most widely grown grape varietals, is a predominant varietal in Alexander Valley. Merlot provides the flesh on the bones of Cabernet Sauvignon and often blended. Again, best grown on the foothills, slopes and mountains of the eastern side of the valley, the western facing side of the Mayacama Mountains.

Less vigorous, late budding and mid ripening. Thrives in clay, limestone, gravelly soils, Merlot grows best in warm, hot arid regions in Alexander Valley.

Deep red in color, sweet plummy fruit, medium in tannin and relatively high in acid structure with high-quality tannins and phenolic structure.

Alexander Valley characteristics: Red fruit, softer tannins, more elegantly structured, therefore a perfect component to a blend or stand alone.

CHARDONNAY is the world’s most adaptable, versatile white wine grape. Without a dominant taste profile, Chardonnay grown in Alexander Valley takes on it’s own personality of the tropical notes in our warm climate region.

Easy to grow, late budding and early ripening. Thrives in well-drained limestone, calcareous clay or sandy loam.

Straw yellow, velvet structure, and medium in acid structure.

Alexander Valley characteristics: Varying degrees of varietal expressions. A graceful varietal, with warmer tropical notes of pineapple, soft, elegant acid structure and mineral components alongside ripe citrus and stone fruit flavors.

OTHER NOTABLE RED VARIETALS
ZINFANDEL, PETIT VERDOT, MALBEC, CABERNET FRANC

OTHER NOTABLE WHITE VARIETALS
SAUVIGNON BLANC, VIOGNIER

Winemaking in Alexander Valley

Alexander Valley is a community of small to large wineries and winegrowers, most have been here for decades with a determined commitment to producing Cabernet Sauvignon that speak location and place.

Alexander Valley produces exceptional, unique elegant wines from our diverse, prolific soils and producers. Great wines include the place and hands that make them.

What we share as neighbors, from Jess Jackson’s version of a grand cru at Verite Winery producing 100-pt Robert Parker scores, to Robert Young Vineyards and Winery with their exceptional wines grown on their property, Jordan Winery producing a consistent reflection of time since 1976, Silver Oak producing a gorgeous Alexander Valley Cabernet to stand equal to their Napa Cabernet, Alexander Valley Vineyards with their commitment to Cyrus Alexander’s beginnings growing on the original land to name just a few … we stand together with pride.

“Without a doubt Alexander Valley is the one and only valley in Sonoma County that has consistently proven its ability to grow high-quality Cabernet from North to South and East to West.”

Bret Munselle, AVWG Board Member, owner and General Manager of Munselle Vineyards

“Alexander Valley Cabernet is grown in its’ own unique and diverse geological area. The varying climate, north to southeast to west gives the Cabernet grapes grown here a wide range of flavors not found in any other growing region world-wide. Adding to this depth and complexity is the soil, valley floor clay and gravel to mountain side volcanic tuft — centuries old and like no other. Just as the Cabernet produced here. When you’re in Alexander Valley, you’re in Cabernet country.”

Mark Houser, AVWG Board Member, and longtime winegrower and Vineyard Manager, Alexander Valley Vineyards & Hoot Owl Vineyards