EXCLUSIVE FOCUS ON RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY WINE

A new (2017) and exciting producer of Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir under the direction of longtime vintner Donald Patz. His three-decade association with Sonoma and Russian River Valley grape growers has given him access to some of the top vineyard sites in the valley. Utilizing these vineyard sites he and his team are crafting compelling Chardonnays and delicately perfumed Pinot Noirs.

Mr. Patz decided to focus entirely on the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County as the source for his new winery. He’s got friends there. He immediately contacted Steve and Joe at Dutton Ranch as well as Charlie at Chenoweth Vineyards (among others) to see what might be available in 2017.  The grapes he came up with for this first vintage surprised even him! (see Vineyard Sources)

The focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are Mr. Patz’s favorite varietals from the Russian River Valley.

WHAT DOES THE NAME MEAN?

We decided to make up a name that would represent our thoughts about Sonoma County/Russian River Valley since all our initially considered names had already been used! The process went something like this

Sonoma = Oceans and Mountains
Oceans… MARItime
Mountains… MonTANA
MARI-TANA
MARITANA

It took longer than it looks. It turns out that this is a woman’s name. Not so much in the US but in some of the Latin countries and more oddly in Russia. Apparently, there was a popular song in Russia in the 1970’s or early 1980’s with the Maritana name that inspired its use.