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Our Story: From Vine to Bottle: Belle Glos Pinot Noir Unveils a Masterful Creation
At Belle Glos, we pride ourselves on showcasing the distinct characteristics of California’s coastal wine-growing regions through our exceptional Pinot Noirs. Each vineyard we work with is located near the Pacific Ocean, but the unique climate differences, including fog, wind, sunlight, and soil type, make for truly diverse and captivating flavors in each wine.
Our owner and winemaker, Joe Wagner, has deep roots in the Napa Valley, with a family history of winemaking that spans five generations. From a young age, Joe learned the art of grape cultivation and winemaking, working alongside his father at Caymus Vineyards. It was through this experience that he developed a true passion for wine and a desire to create something of his own.
In 2001, Joe founded Belle Glos, with a focus on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from the best coastal regions in California. Joe’s vision was to craft wines that truly captured the essence of each vineyard’s terroir and express the elegance of California Pinot Noir. This vision is what sets Belle Glos apart and has earned us a reputation for producing exceptional wines.
The name Belle Glos pays homage to Joe’s grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards and a significant inspiration to Joe. She was renowned for her love of Pinot Noir, and it is in her honor that Joe chose the name for his new venture. Belle Glos represents not only a dedication to his family’s winemaking legacy but also a tribute to the matriarch who instilled in him a passion for wine.
Throughout his winemaking career, Joe has continued to push the boundaries of the industry. As a true innovator, he has launched several new brands under Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, in addition to Belle Glos. Joe is constantly exploring new wine-growing locations and experimenting with different techniques in the cellar, always striving to contribute to the evolution of the wine industry.
While Joe’s dedication to his craft is unwavering, he also maintains a healthy balance between his family life and his business. As a father of six, he understands the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones and creating a legacy for generations to come.
We invite you to experience the passion and devotion that goes into each bottle of Belle Glos Pinot Noir. From the unique coastal vineyards to the meticulous winemaking process, our wines are a true reflection of California’s diverse and extraordinary terroir. Join us on a journey of exploration and savor the elegance that Belle Glos Pinot Noirs have to offer.
Calling all wine enthusiasts! If you’re seeking a wine experience that embodies the diverse and rich flavors of California, look no further than Belle Glos Pinot Noirs. Crafted from some of the most notable coastal wine-growing regions in the state, these wines offer a distinctive character that beautifully showcases the unique terroirs and characteristics of each vineyard. In this article, we’ll explore four exceptional Belle Glos Pinot Noirs from different regions, each presenting its own captivating twist.
Belle Glos Eulenloch Pinot Noir – Napa Valley – Purchase
Nestled within Napa Valley’s Carneros region, the Eulenloch Vineyard stands out with its predominantly clay soils. These soils retain moisture, contributing to the wine’s complexity and adding another dimension to the flavor profile. The cool coastal breeze further enhances the vineyard’s uniqueness, resulting in ripe and nuanced fruit flavors. This Pinot Noir boasts a harmonious combination of structure, suppleness, length, and depth. Pouring a dark ruby red, it enchants your senses with enticing aromas of dried cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and cedar. On the palate, you’ll discover rich and opulent flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, cocoa, black licorice, and dried herbs. The wine’s bold and well-balanced characteristics are accompanied by lively acidity and refined tannins.
Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir – Santa Maria Valley – Purchase
Established in 1972, the Clark & Telephone Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley is renowned for its ancient “own root” Martini clone vines. Situated near the coast, this vineyard experiences cool fog and gentle coastal breezes until the onset of the Santa Ana winds in August, resulting in distinctive and intense flavors. To preserve the freshness of the fruit, the grapes are harvested in the cool morning hours. Through a meticulous winemaking process, Belle Glos extracts the ideal flavors and colors from the grapes. Aged in French oak, the Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir exhibits a gorgeous deep purple hue with garnet flecks. It entices with extravagant aromas of warm blackberry pie, raspberry, licorice, and white pepper. On the palate, expect bold and sophisticated flavors of dry cherry, crushed lavender, and chocolate-covered blueberries. The wine’s rich and velvety texture leads to a long and structured finish.
Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir – Santa Lucia Highlands – Purchase
Meaning “the heights” in Spanish, the Las Alturas Vineyard boasts an elevated location within the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, reaching heights of up to 1,200 feet. This high-altitude, cool-climate vineyard imparts the wine with robustness, expressiveness, full-body, and a well-balanced acidity. Just like the other Belle Glos Pinot Noirs, the grapes are harvested in the early morning to preserve the vineyard-fresh flavors. The cold soaking and fermentation processes are carefully executed to extract optimal color, tannins, and flavors. Aged in French oak, the Las Alturas Pinot Noir presents a rich crimson color and exudes enticing aromas of blackberry, sage, cherry, and hints of dark chocolate. It offers a bold and elegant palate with notes of boysenberry pie, black currant jam, dark plum, and subtle hints of ground nutmeg. The wine’s beautiful acidity lingers through a long, mouthwatering finish.
Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley – Purchase
Formerly a dairy farm and pastureland, the Dairyman Vineyard in Russian River Valley showcases the exceptional potential of Pinot Noir in this region. The vineyard was planted in 2000 with various Dijon clones grafted on low-vigor rootstock. Following the same meticulous standards as other Belle Glos wines, the winemaking process for Dairyman Pinot Noir includes morning harvests, controlled fermentation, and French oak aging. The resulting deep garnet-colored wine boasts aromas of sun-warmed black cherry, raspberry compote, dark chocolate, cedar, and black currant. It offers a bold and rich flavor profile, with notes of fresh strawberry cobbler, bramble, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The wine’s richness in tannins, concentration, depth, and natural acidity perfectly exemplifies the authentic character of Sonoma County Pinot Noir.
Delve into the world of Belle Glos Pinot Noirs – an enticing exploration of California’s coastal wine regions. Each bottle encapsulates the unique expression of the terroir, climate, and vineyard practices. With boldness, elegance, and impeccable balance, these wines epitomize the essence of Napa Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, and the Russian River Valley. Embark on a journey to uncover the diverse and captivating flavors California has to offer. Cheers!
Coastal California Pinot Noir Vineyards: A Journey of Elegance and Distinction
When it comes to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir, Belle Glos stands out for its commitment to showcasing the distinct characteristics of California’s coastal vineyards. Each vineyard we work with is carefully selected to capture the essence of its unique terroir, resulting in elegant expressions of Pinot Noir that are sure to captivate wine lovers.
Let’s embark on a journey through some of the remarkable vineyards that contribute to the creation of our outstanding Pinot Noirs.
Dairyman Vineyard: An Alluvial Gem in Russian River Valley
Nestled in the southern alluvial plains of the Russian River Valley, Dairyman Vineyard enjoys a prime coastal location. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings in cool morning fog and refreshing afternoon coastal breezes. This maritime influence extends the growing season, allowing the grapes to develop concentrated flavors.
The small, flavorful berries from Dairyman Vineyard lend our Pinot Noir vibrant cherry characteristics, complemented by hints of brown spices and a distinct minerality. Originally an old dairy farm, the vineyard’s transformation into a Pinot Noir paradise has preserved the deep agricultural history of the land.
Eulenloch Vineyard: Carneros’ Secrets Unveiled
Carneros, an AVA spanning Sonoma and Napa counties, owes its uniqueness to its location along the San Pablo Bay. The persistent, cooling fog and unrelenting breezes make Carneros the coolest and windiest district in the Napa-Sonoma region.
Within this distinctive region lies Eulenloch Vineyard, showcasing the clay soils that retain essential moisture while remaining remarkably shallow. When combined with the refreshing coastal breeze, the result is ripe fruit with complexity and nuance. The Eulenloch Pinot Noir boasts an impeccable structure, supple mouthfeel, and a long, lingering finish.
Las Alturas Vineyard: The Highlands of Monterey County
Perched in one of the highest-plantable sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, Las Alturas Vineyard basks in the glory of cool, coastal days, generous sunshine, and the nurturing foundation of Gloria sandy loam soil.
The meticulous matching of various Pinot Noir clones to specific slopes and soil attributes has given us yields with unparalleled fruit intensity. Each sip of our Las Alturas Pinot Noir reveals the harmony of nature at work, crafting a wine that is both expressive and refined.
Clark & Telephone Vineyard: A Treasure from Santa Maria Valley
In the picturesque Santa Maria Valley, Clark & Telephone Vineyard benefits from the influence of cooling wind and fog flowing in from the nearby Pacific Ocean through the Santa Maria River channel.
Planted in 1972, our vineyard is home to the Martini clone of Pinot Noir, an heirloom clone that once enchanted the California coastlands. By preserving and nurturing this historic clone, we pay homage to the roots of California winemaking and add layers of history to the distinctive character of our Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir.
At Belle Glos, we believe that vineyards are not just sources of grapes but living expressions of the land. Our commitment to showcasing the unique qualities of each coastal vineyard is an integral part of our winemaking philosophy. It is with pride and dedication that we craft our distinctively elegant Pinot Noirs, inviting you to savor the finest captures of California’s coastal treasures.
Experience the Beauty of Pinot Noir with Belle Glos
At Belle Glos, we are devoted to celebrating the structure and grace of Pinot Noir. Our wines are an elegant expression of this exceptional varietal, sourced from California’s most sought-after single vineyards.
Each bottle of Belle Glos Pinot Noir is sealed with our signature red wax, symbolizing the exceptional wine that awaits inside. This unique seal not only adds a touch of visual appeal but also represents the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every bottle.
Indulge in the sensory delight of Belle Glos Pinot Noir as you discover the enchanting aromas of red berries, cherries, floral notes, and subtle spices. The velvety tannins and luscious mouthfeel invite you to savor each sip, while the long, lingering finish leaves a lasting impression.
Whether it’s the vibrant cherry characteristics of our Dairyman Vineyard, the complexity and nuance of our Eulenloch Vineyard, the intensity and expression of Las Alturas Vineyard, or the historic treasure of Clark & Telephone Vineyard, each Belle Glos Pinot Noir is a unique expression of the beauty and potential of this remarkable grape.
Embark on a journey of discovery and unlock the beauty of Pinot Noir with Belle Glos. From our carefully selected vineyards to the exceptional wine within, our mission is to celebrate the remarkable qualities that make Pinot Noir a truly captivating varietal.
