Benovia Winery
Encyclopedia
Benovia Winery is a family-owned producer of Pinot Noir
, Chardonnay
, and Zinfandel
wines in Santa Rosa, California
. Founded in 2005 by Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane, Benovia Winery farms three estate vineyards, including the venerable Cohn Vineyard, which total 71.67 acres (290,038.5 m²) and are located in the Russian River Valley AVA
and Sonoma County AVA. To supplement the fruit it harvests each year, Benovia purchases grapes from Sonoma County AVA vintners including Dutton, Martinelli, and Peterson, as well as Savoy in Anderson Valley AVA
. Benovia's winemaker, Mike Sullivan, is also co-owner and general manager of the winery. Benovia wines are produced and bottled at the winery's winemaking
facilities in the Russian River Valley AVA
. Annual production is approximately 4,000 cases. Benovia wines are sold direct to customers, as well as distributed to restaurants for resale.
and Zinfandel
producing property (17.6 planted acres) west of Healdsburg, California
which is part of a larger 55 acres (222,577.3 m²) ranch formerly owned by Arnold and Tekla Cohn. In May 2005, Anderson and Dewane purchased Hartman Lane Vineyards and Winery, an 18 acres (72,843.5 m²) property and winery facility in the Russian River Valley AVA
from Cecil De Loach
, the former owner of De Loach Vineyards
. Also in 2005, Mike Sullivan joined Benovia as part-owner and winemaker. In 2008, 40 more acres adjoining the property were purchased. Today the winery encompasses 58 acres (234,717.9 m²), including 8.5 acres (34,398.3 m²) that were planted to Pinot Noir
in 1997. Five acres were replanted in 2008 also to Pinot Noir
. New vineyard plantings at the winery in 2009 and 2010 include 21.3 acres (86,198.1 m²) of Pinot Noir
, 6.01 acres (24,321.6 m²) of Chardonnay
, and a small 1.5 acres (6,070.3 m²) vineyard of Viognier
. A 16 acres (64,749.8 m²) property just outside of Freestone, California
was also purchased in 2008 and is currently planted to 11.76 acres (47,591.1 m²) of Pinot Noir
.
Benovia began producing wine in 2005. Its first commercial release was the 2006 vintage. The winery was named Benovia after the founders' fathers' first names—Ben Dewane and Novian Anderson.
, earning a degree in fermentation science. He joined Benovia in 2005. Prior to Benovia, Sullivan was winemaker at Hartford Family Winery. In 2002, he was named “Wine Personality of the Year” by [Robert M. Parker, Jr.] in the Wine Advocate and “Winemaker of the Year” by Ronn Wiegand of the magazine Restaurant Wine.
Joe Anderson (Founder and Co-owner) – Prior to establishing Benovia, Anderson was co-founder and CEO of Schaller Anderson a managed healthcare provider based in Phoenix, Arizona
. Anderson sold Schaller Anderson to Aetna
healthcare company in 2007, and stepped down as CEO in March, 2008.
, the Cohn Vineyard was established in 1970. Previous harvests from this site have produced single vineyard wines for Williams-Selyem and Kosta Browne. The Pinot Noir
vineyard is 8.83 acres (35,733.8 m²) and planted with clones of unknown origin. The 8.77 acres (35,491 m²) Zinfandel
vineyard is located just below the Pinot Noir
section. The vineyard is considered Region II on the Winkler scale, with maritime influences. The soil type is predominantly Josephine loam
. In 2006, Benovia completed extensive pruning of the vineyard.
, specifically within an area known as the Laguna de Santa Rosa
. Martaella experiences heavy maritime
influences with frequent early morning fog
throughout the growing season. Daytime temperatures rarely rise above 85 °F (29.4 °C), while nights often dip into the low 50s °F. The 58 acres (234,717.9 m²) property currently grows 40.81 acres (165,152.4 m²) of grape vines in various stages of development. When first purchased, Martaella was planted with 13.5 acres (54,632.6 m²) of Pommard
clone Pinot Noir
. Benovia introduced more clonal diversity by replanting 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) of the original vineyard with Calera and Dijon
828 clones of Pinot Noir
with the new vines planted at a higher density using four-foot by four-foot spacing, or about 2,700 vines per acre.
The acquisition of a former apple orchard and horse ranch just north of the winery in 2009 allowed Benovia to plant an additional 18 acres (72,843.5 m²) of vines. To encourage soil uniformity, the winery installed a network of subsoil drains in 2008. After a site evaluation, Benovia chose to plant with a high density vine count; planting vines four feet apart with five-foot rows. The winery chose to plant 21.3 acres (86,198.1 m²) of Pinot Noir
on devigorated rootstock (420A) with a diverse clonal mix. Benovia also planted 6 acres (24,281.2 m²) with an heirloom clone of Chardonnay
chosen for its low yields and concentrated flavors. Benovia is also experimenting with 1.5 acres (6,070.3 m²) of white Rhone varietals (Viognier
and Roussanne
).
in the Russian River Valley AVA
. During summer, the ridge lines nearest the coast
are cooled by the ocean breezes that precede the marine layer
in this part of Sonoma County. Temperatures in Falstaff rarely rises above 75 °F (23.9 °C) during the summer, but can cool to the low 50s °F at night. The Falstaff property is uniform sandy loam
soil known as a ‘Goldridge’. This shallow and well-drained soil is ideal for growing Pinot Noir in this coastal climate. Falstaff's grape vines are planted at a very high density, with vines spaced four feet apart with five-foot rows. This property was planted with 11.76 acres (47,591.1 m²) low vigor rootstock 420A and heirloom and Dijon
selections of Pinot Noir
in 2009. Falstaff’s first harvest is expected in the fall of 2012.
and Russian River Valley AVA
since 1881. Originally prune farmers, the family purchased their first vineyards in 1964 and now own more than 1100 acres (4.5 km²) of vineyards, mostly in the Russian River Valley AVA
. The Manzana Vineyard is located in the cool Green Valley AVA. Its fruit is used to produce Benovia Winery's proprietary Bella Una Pinot Noir blend.
. The vineyard experiences very cool temperatures with many foggy mornings. Benovia also purchases Pinot Noir
grapes from another Martinelli vineyard just off of Woosley Road which is used for Benovia's Bella Una blend.
and Germany. Originally the family planted Zinfandel
and a grape variety called “Burger.” Petersen farms a 7.5 acres (30,351.5 m²) Pinot Noir
vineyard, and a smaller 1.5 acres (6,070.3 m²) Pinot Noir
vineyard near his home. An area of Petersen Vineyards is located in the Petaluma Gap
and is 10 °F (-12.2 °C) to 15 °F (-9.4 °C) cooler than Benovia's Martaella Vineyards. Benovia first purchased grapes from the Petersen Vineyard to produce its 2006 vintage Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
, the Savoy Vineyards are owned by Rich Savoy. They are located off of Highway 128, west of Philo, California
. Benovia purchases the fruit from clones 114, 115, Martini, Calera, and Pommard
from this vineyard. Savoy also sells his vineyard's fruit to other area wineries including Littorai, Radio Coteau, and Roessler.
wines begins with handpicking the fruit during harvest
. Workers clip the grapes from the vines in bunches, collect the grape clusters in bins, and transport the fruit to a sorting table. Each cluster is inspected by hand at the sorting table prior to the automated destemming process which separates the berries from the stems. A second sorting area following destemming allows workers to inspect the individual berries and discard unsuitable fruit. The grapes are then transferred to small , open-top fermentors as gently as possible to minimize fruit damage. After a pre-fermentation maceration
of five to eight days, the indigenous yeast
encourages the longer process of malolactic fermentation
. The wines then spend 14 to 16 months aging in French oak barrels before being transferred to the bottling line at Benovia. The winery's Chardonnay
grapes follow a similar process. After hand-sorting, the whole clusters are transferred directly to the wine press
. Whole cluster pressing helps minimize the amount of malic acid
and tannins that naturally exist in the skins, seeds and stems from entering the wine. After settling, the resulting juice (called “must
”) is moved to French oak barrels to ferment at a cool temperature for approximately four to six weeks. The barrels are inoculated for malolactic fermentation
, and the lees
are stirred weekly until the process is complete. This method helps the malolactic fermentation
, integrates the new oak, and builds body and structure in the wine.
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
, Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
, and Zinfandel
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Puglia , where it was introduced in the 18th century...
wines in Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County, California, United States. The 2010 census reported a population of 167,815. Santa Rosa is the largest city in California's Wine Country and fifth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, after San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont and 26th...
. Founded in 2005 by Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane, Benovia Winery farms three estate vineyards, including the venerable Cohn Vineyard, which total 71.67 acres (290,038.5 m²) and are located in the Russian River Valley AVA
Russian River Valley AVA
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and...
and Sonoma County AVA. To supplement the fruit it harvests each year, Benovia purchases grapes from Sonoma County AVA vintners including Dutton, Martinelli, and Peterson, as well as Savoy in Anderson Valley AVA
Anderson Valley AVA
The Anderson Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area centered around the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, California. It is known primarily for its Pinot Noir and sparkling wine production. Lying to from the Pacific Ocean, the AVA is prone to wide diurnal temperature variation of between...
. Benovia's winemaker, Mike Sullivan, is also co-owner and general manager of the winery. Benovia wines are produced and bottled at the winery's winemaking
Winemaking
Winemaking, or vinification, is the production of wine, starting with selection of the grapes or other produce and ending with bottling the finished wine. Although most wine is made from grapes, it may also be made from other fruit or non-toxic plant material...
facilities in the Russian River Valley AVA
Russian River Valley AVA
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and...
. Annual production is approximately 4,000 cases. Benovia wines are sold direct to customers, as well as distributed to restaurants for resale.
History
In February 2003, husband and wife team Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane purchased the Cohn Vineyard, a 40-year-old Pinot NoirPinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
and Zinfandel
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Puglia , where it was introduced in the 18th century...
producing property (17.6 planted acres) west of Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg is a city located in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a population of 11,254...
which is part of a larger 55 acres (222,577.3 m²) ranch formerly owned by Arnold and Tekla Cohn. In May 2005, Anderson and Dewane purchased Hartman Lane Vineyards and Winery, an 18 acres (72,843.5 m²) property and winery facility in the Russian River Valley AVA
Russian River Valley AVA
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and...
from Cecil De Loach
Cecil O. De Loach, Jr.
Cecil O. De Loach, Jr.b. September 14, 1938, Andalusia, ALAs a post-Prohibition grape-grower and winemaker working with traditional vitis vinifera grapes in the Russian River Valley AVA, Cecil De Loach is a modern-day wine industry pioneer who contributed significantly to the reputation and...
, the former owner of De Loach Vineyards
De Loach Vineyards
De Loach Vineyards was started in 1975 by Cecil and Christine De Loach, and was one of the first wineries established in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California....
. Also in 2005, Mike Sullivan joined Benovia as part-owner and winemaker. In 2008, 40 more acres adjoining the property were purchased. Today the winery encompasses 58 acres (234,717.9 m²), including 8.5 acres (34,398.3 m²) that were planted to Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
in 1997. Five acres were replanted in 2008 also to Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
. New vineyard plantings at the winery in 2009 and 2010 include 21.3 acres (86,198.1 m²) of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
, 6.01 acres (24,321.6 m²) of Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
, and a small 1.5 acres (6,070.3 m²) vineyard of Viognier
Viognier
Viognier is a white wine grape. It is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhone valley.-History:The origin of the Viognier grape is unknown. Viognier is presumed to be an ancient grape, possibly originating in Dalmatia and then brought to Rhône by the Romans. One legend...
. A 16 acres (64,749.8 m²) property just outside of Freestone, California
Freestone, California
Freestone is a small, unincorporated community in Sonoma County, California, USA located at the intersection of Bohemian Highway and Bodega Highway. It's west of Sebastopol along Salmon Creek on the U.S...
was also purchased in 2008 and is currently planted to 11.76 acres (47,591.1 m²) of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
.
Benovia began producing wine in 2005. Its first commercial release was the 2006 vintage. The winery was named Benovia after the founders' fathers' first names—Ben Dewane and Novian Anderson.
People
Mike Sullivan (Winemaker) – Sullivan grew up in Sonoma County and attended Fresno StateCalifornia State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno, often referred to as Fresno State University and synonymously known in athletics as Fresno State , is one of the leading campuses of the California State University system, located at the northeast edge of Fresno, California, USA.The campus sits at the foot of...
, earning a degree in fermentation science. He joined Benovia in 2005. Prior to Benovia, Sullivan was winemaker at Hartford Family Winery. In 2002, he was named “Wine Personality of the Year” by [Robert M. Parker, Jr.] in the Wine Advocate and “Winemaker of the Year” by Ronn Wiegand of the magazine Restaurant Wine.
Joe Anderson (Founder and Co-owner) – Prior to establishing Benovia, Anderson was co-founder and CEO of Schaller Anderson a managed healthcare provider based in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
. Anderson sold Schaller Anderson to Aetna
Aetna
Aetna, Inc. is an American health insurance company, providing a range of traditional and consumer directed health care insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmaceutical, dental, behavioral health, group life, long-term care, and disability plans, and medical management...
healthcare company in 2007, and stepped down as CEO in March, 2008.
Cohn Vineyard
Located off Westside Road west of Healdsburg, CaliforniaHealdsburg, California
Healdsburg is a city located in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a population of 11,254...
, the Cohn Vineyard was established in 1970. Previous harvests from this site have produced single vineyard wines for Williams-Selyem and Kosta Browne. The Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
vineyard is 8.83 acres (35,733.8 m²) and planted with clones of unknown origin. The 8.77 acres (35,491 m²) Zinfandel
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Puglia , where it was introduced in the 18th century...
vineyard is located just below the Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
section. The vineyard is considered Region II on the Winkler scale, with maritime influences. The soil type is predominantly Josephine loam
Loam
Loam is soil composed of sand, silt, and clay in relatively even concentration . Loam soils generally contain more nutrients and humus than sandy soils, have better infiltration and drainage than silty soils, and are easier to till than clay soils...
. In 2006, Benovia completed extensive pruning of the vineyard.
Martaella Vineyards
Martaella borders Benovia Winery's winemaking facilities in the Russian River Valley AVARussian River Valley AVA
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and...
, specifically within an area known as the Laguna de Santa Rosa
Laguna de Santa Rosa
The Laguna de Santa Rosa is a long wetland complex that drains a 254-square mile watershed encompassing most of the Santa Rosa Plain in Sonoma County, California, USA.-Description:...
. Martaella experiences heavy maritime
Ocean
An ocean is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas.More than half of this area is over 3,000...
influences with frequent early morning fog
Fog
Fog is a collection of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air at or near the Earth's surface. While fog is a type of stratus cloud, the term "fog" is typically distinguished from the more generic term "cloud" in that fog is low-lying, and the moisture in the fog is often generated...
throughout the growing season. Daytime temperatures rarely rise above 85 °F (29.4 °C), while nights often dip into the low 50s °F. The 58 acres (234,717.9 m²) property currently grows 40.81 acres (165,152.4 m²) of grape vines in various stages of development. When first purchased, Martaella was planted with 13.5 acres (54,632.6 m²) of Pommard
Pommard
Pommard is a commune in the Côte-d'Or department in Bourgogne in eastern France.It is famous for its Côte de Beaune wine production. This beautiful village is situated directly south of Beaune along the Route des Grands Crus...
clone Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
. Benovia introduced more clonal diversity by replanting 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) of the original vineyard with Calera and Dijon
Dijon
Dijon is a city in eastern France, the capital of the Côte-d'Or département and of the Burgundy region.Dijon is the historical capital of the region of Burgundy. Population : 151,576 within the city limits; 250,516 for the greater Dijon area....
828 clones of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
with the new vines planted at a higher density using four-foot by four-foot spacing, or about 2,700 vines per acre.
The acquisition of a former apple orchard and horse ranch just north of the winery in 2009 allowed Benovia to plant an additional 18 acres (72,843.5 m²) of vines. To encourage soil uniformity, the winery installed a network of subsoil drains in 2008. After a site evaluation, Benovia chose to plant with a high density vine count; planting vines four feet apart with five-foot rows. The winery chose to plant 21.3 acres (86,198.1 m²) of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
on devigorated rootstock (420A) with a diverse clonal mix. Benovia also planted 6 acres (24,281.2 m²) with an heirloom clone of Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
chosen for its low yields and concentrated flavors. Benovia is also experimenting with 1.5 acres (6,070.3 m²) of white Rhone varietals (Viognier
Viognier
Viognier is a white wine grape. It is the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu in the Rhone valley.-History:The origin of the Viognier grape is unknown. Viognier is presumed to be an ancient grape, possibly originating in Dalmatia and then brought to Rhône by the Romans. One legend...
and Roussanne
Roussanne
Roussanne is a white wine grape grown originally in the Rhône wine region in France, where it is often blended with Marsanne. It is the only other white variety, besides Marsanne, allowed in the northern Rhône appellations of Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Hermitage AOC and Saint-Joseph AOC...
).
Falstaff Property
This unnamed vineyard is the winery's coldest planting with its location just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean on a ridge top that overlooks Freestone, CaliforniaFreestone, California
Freestone is a small, unincorporated community in Sonoma County, California, USA located at the intersection of Bohemian Highway and Bodega Highway. It's west of Sebastopol along Salmon Creek on the U.S...
in the Russian River Valley AVA
Russian River Valley AVA
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and...
. During summer, the ridge lines nearest the coast
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
are cooled by the ocean breezes that precede the marine layer
Marine layer
A marine layer is an air mass which develops over the surface of a large body of water such as the ocean or large lake in the presence of a temperature inversion. The inversion itself is usually initiated by the cooling effect of the water on the surface layer of an otherwise warm air mass...
in this part of Sonoma County. Temperatures in Falstaff rarely rises above 75 °F (23.9 °C) during the summer, but can cool to the low 50s °F at night. The Falstaff property is uniform sandy loam
Loam
Loam is soil composed of sand, silt, and clay in relatively even concentration . Loam soils generally contain more nutrients and humus than sandy soils, have better infiltration and drainage than silty soils, and are easier to till than clay soils...
soil known as a ‘Goldridge’. This shallow and well-drained soil is ideal for growing Pinot Noir in this coastal climate. Falstaff's grape vines are planted at a very high density, with vines spaced four feet apart with five-foot rows. This property was planted with 11.76 acres (47,591.1 m²) low vigor rootstock 420A and heirloom and Dijon
Dijon
Dijon is a city in eastern France, the capital of the Côte-d'Or département and of the Burgundy region.Dijon is the historical capital of the region of Burgundy. Population : 151,576 within the city limits; 250,516 for the greater Dijon area....
selections of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
in 2009. Falstaff’s first harvest is expected in the fall of 2012.
Grower Vineyards
Benovia sources grapes from other vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations, as well as from the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County.Manzana Vineyard/Dutton Ranch
The Duttons have farmed vineyards in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVAGreen Valley of Russian River Valley AVA
The Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California, USA. Located at the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley AVA, its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it one of the coolest appellations within Sonoma County...
and Russian River Valley AVA
Russian River Valley AVA
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and...
since 1881. Originally prune farmers, the family purchased their first vineyards in 1964 and now own more than 1100 acres (4.5 km²) of vineyards, mostly in the Russian River Valley AVA
Russian River Valley AVA
The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and...
. The Manzana Vineyard is located in the cool Green Valley AVA. Its fruit is used to produce Benovia Winery's proprietary Bella Una Pinot Noir blend.
Martinelli Vineyards
The Martinelli family has grown fruit in Sonoma County since 1896. The Martinelli vineyards are farmed by Lee Martinelli, Sr., and his sons Lee, Jr. and George. Benovia Winery's La Pommeraie Chardonnay is produced from a vineyard farmed by George Martinelli located on Frei Road near the town of Graton, CaliforniaGraton, California
Graton is an unincorporated town and census-designated place in west Sonoma County, California, United States. The population was 1,707 at the 2010 census. Graton's ZIP code is 95444.-Geography:...
. The vineyard experiences very cool temperatures with many foggy mornings. Benovia also purchases Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
grapes from another Martinelli vineyard just off of Woosley Road which is used for Benovia's Bella Una blend.
Petersen Vineyards
The Petersen family has farmed in the Sonoma County area since 1908. Owner William Petersen’s grandfather emigrated from DenmarkDenmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
and Germany. Originally the family planted Zinfandel
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Puglia , where it was introduced in the 18th century...
and a grape variety called “Burger.” Petersen farms a 7.5 acres (30,351.5 m²) Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
vineyard, and a smaller 1.5 acres (6,070.3 m²) Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
vineyard near his home. An area of Petersen Vineyards is located in the Petaluma Gap
Petaluma Gap
The Petaluma Gap is a geographical region in Sonoma County, California which extends in a band from the Pacific Ocean to San Pablo Bay. It is an area of low land 22 to 31 miles wide in the coast ranges of the northern San Francisco Bay Area. The western edge of the gap is located in the coastal...
and is 10 °F (-12.2 °C) to 15 °F (-9.4 °C) cooler than Benovia's Martaella Vineyards. Benovia first purchased grapes from the Petersen Vineyard to produce its 2006 vintage Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
Savoy Vineyards
Located in Mendocino County in the Anderson Valley AVAAnderson Valley AVA
The Anderson Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area centered around the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, California. It is known primarily for its Pinot Noir and sparkling wine production. Lying to from the Pacific Ocean, the AVA is prone to wide diurnal temperature variation of between...
, the Savoy Vineyards are owned by Rich Savoy. They are located off of Highway 128, west of Philo, California
Philo, California
Philo is a census-designated place in Mendocino County, California. It is located northwest of Boonville, at an elevation of 331 feet . The population was 349 at the 2010 census....
. Benovia purchases the fruit from clones 114, 115, Martini, Calera, and Pommard
Pommard
Pommard is a commune in the Côte-d'Or department in Bourgogne in eastern France.It is famous for its Côte de Beaune wine production. This beautiful village is situated directly south of Beaune along the Route des Grands Crus...
from this vineyard. Savoy also sells his vineyard's fruit to other area wineries including Littorai, Radio Coteau, and Roessler.
Winemaking
The process of creating Benovia’s Pinot NoirPinot Noir
Pinot noir is a black wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot noir grapes...
wines begins with handpicking the fruit during harvest
Harvest (wine)
The harvesting of wine grapes is one of the most crucial steps in the process of winemaking. The time of harvest is determined primarily by the ripeness of the grape as measured by sugar, acid and tannin levels with winemakers basing their decision to pick based on the style of wine they wish to...
. Workers clip the grapes from the vines in bunches, collect the grape clusters in bins, and transport the fruit to a sorting table. Each cluster is inspected by hand at the sorting table prior to the automated destemming process which separates the berries from the stems. A second sorting area following destemming allows workers to inspect the individual berries and discard unsuitable fruit. The grapes are then transferred to small , open-top fermentors as gently as possible to minimize fruit damage. After a pre-fermentation maceration
Maceration (wine)
Maceration is the winemaking process where the phenolic materials of the grape— tannins, coloring agents and flavor compounds— are leached from the grape skins, seeds and stems into the must. Maceration is the process by which the red wine receives its red color, since 99% of all grape juice is...
of five to eight days, the indigenous yeast
Yeast
Yeasts are eukaryotic micro-organisms classified in the kingdom Fungi, with 1,500 species currently described estimated to be only 1% of all fungal species. Most reproduce asexually by mitosis, and many do so by an asymmetric division process called budding...
encourages the longer process of malolactic fermentation
Malolactic fermentation
Malolactic fermentation is a process in winemaking where tart-tasting malic acid, naturally present in grape must, is converted to softer-tasting lactic acid. Malolactic fermentation tends to create a rounder, fuller mouthfeel. It has been said that malic acid tastes of green apples...
. The wines then spend 14 to 16 months aging in French oak barrels before being transferred to the bottling line at Benovia. The winery's Chardonnay
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It is originated from the Burgundy wine region of eastern France but is now grown wherever wine is produced, from England to New Zealand...
grapes follow a similar process. After hand-sorting, the whole clusters are transferred directly to the wine press
Wine press
A wine press is a device used to extract juice from crushed grapes during wine making. There are a number of different styles of presses that are used by wine makers but their overall functionality is the same. Each style of press exerts controlled pressure in order to free the juice from the fruit...
. Whole cluster pressing helps minimize the amount of malic acid
Malic acid
Malic acid is an organic compound with the formula HO2CCH2CHOHCO2H. It is a dicarboxylic acid which is made by all living organisms, contributes to the pleasantly sour taste of fruits, and is used as a food additive. Malic acid has two stereoisomeric forms , though only the L-isomer exists...
and tannins that naturally exist in the skins, seeds and stems from entering the wine. After settling, the resulting juice (called “must
Must
Must is freshly pressed fruit juice that contains the skins, seeds, and stems of the fruit. The solid portion of the must is called pomace; it typically makes up 7%–23% of the total weight of the must. Making must is the first step in winemaking...
”) is moved to French oak barrels to ferment at a cool temperature for approximately four to six weeks. The barrels are inoculated for malolactic fermentation
Malolactic fermentation
Malolactic fermentation is a process in winemaking where tart-tasting malic acid, naturally present in grape must, is converted to softer-tasting lactic acid. Malolactic fermentation tends to create a rounder, fuller mouthfeel. It has been said that malic acid tastes of green apples...
, and the lees
Lees (fermentation)
Lees refers to deposits of dead yeast or residual yeast and other particles that precipitate, or are carried by the action of "fining", to the bottom of a vat of wine after fermentation and ageing. The yeast deposits in beer brewing are known as trub...
are stirred weekly until the process is complete. This method helps the malolactic fermentation
Malolactic fermentation
Malolactic fermentation is a process in winemaking where tart-tasting malic acid, naturally present in grape must, is converted to softer-tasting lactic acid. Malolactic fermentation tends to create a rounder, fuller mouthfeel. It has been said that malic acid tastes of green apples...
, integrates the new oak, and builds body and structure in the wine.
Wines
- Cohn Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Bella Una Pinot Noir
- Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
- Rosé of Pinot Noir
- La Pommeraie Chardonnay
- Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
- Russian River Chardonnay
- Cohn Vineyard Zinfandel