Rancho Bello Vineyard

2004 Rancho Bello
2003 Rancho Bello
2002 Rancho Bello
2001 Rancho Bello
2000 Rancho Bello

Albert Bello’s vineyard sits on a northwestern ridge above Green Valley, one of the sub-appellations of the Russian River Valley. This high point, at an elevation of about 800 feet, is a “banana belt” of sorts, receiving more sunshine and warmth and averaging 8 to 10 degrees higher in temperature than adjacent areas. Groundwater is scarce, but rainfall is at least double the amount received in the nearby communities of Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, giving the vineyard a great head start in the spring.

Soils are Goldridge Series and therefore mostly sand and loam. Dry farming amplifies the stress of this somewhat marginal soil, making many of Rancho Bello’s vines look older and more gnarled than their age. The clusters of Zinfandel hang what seems an eternity in this cool, stressed environment.