Jolie Laide Sonoma County Gamay Noir 2024
We have 10 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
Jolie-Laide’s 2024 Gamay Noir is a pure expression of Sonoma County’s diverse terroir, blending fruit from two exceptional vineyards planted specifically for the winery. Las Cimas Vineyard, perched at 800 feet on Sonoma’s northern edge, features northeast-facing vines rooted in Franciscan soils rich in quartz and schist, lending the wine a distinct mineral backbone. The second vineyard, located in the Fountaingrove AVA, sits on well-drained, iron-rich volcanic soils mixed with Franciscan bedrock, known as “Sonoma Volcanics.” These unique sites, influenced by cool coastal breezes, provide a balance of freshness, structure, and aromatic intensity.
The Wine
Gamay thrives in Sonoma’s microclimates, and Jolie-Laide’s 2024 vintage highlights its light, delicate, and aromatic qualities. The grapes are harvested and left whole, undergoing several days of carbonic maceration before foot crushing and whole-cluster fermentation. This method enhances the wine’s vibrant fruit expression while building depth and structure. Aged for six months in neutral barrique, it maintains freshness and purity without oak influence. The result is light, fresh, and captivating—wild strawberry, summer flowers, and earth, with a crushed rock minerality running throughout.
The People
Jolie-Laide, led by Scott and Jenny Schultz, has built a cult following for its precise, low-intervention winemaking. Rooted in a philosophy of showcasing varietal purity and terroir transparency, the winery sources fruit from carefully chosen vineyard partners, often working with growers to plant specific sites. Their hands-off approach in the cellar allows each wine to speak of its origins, making this Gamay a striking representation of Sonoma’s potential for this lovely variety.
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Sonoma County, located west of Napa Valley and stretching to the Pacific Ocean, is a large and diverse wine region in California. With a history of winemaking dating back to the 19th century, Sonoma's varied terroir allows it to grow grapes in multiple places throughout the region. Bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west, the county encompasses a range of climates and soils. The Russian River Valley, known for its cool climate influenced by fog, is acclaimed for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Alexander Valley, further inland and warmer, excels with Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sonoma Coast, a region directly influenced by the Pacific's cool breezes and fog, is gaining recognition for elegant, cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This diverse landscape provides the fruit for an array of styles.
California - Sonoma County
A red wine grape most associated with Beaujolais, Gamay makes fresh, fruity red wines with berry and violet aromas. It is grown around the world outside of France where it is often a darker and less tannic cousin to Pinot Noir in cool climate regions such as Oregon and Victoria.
Gamay
Practicing Organic vineyard farming involves growing grapes using organic methods—avoiding synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides—but without formal certification. Wineries adopting this approach prioritize environmental health, soil vitality, and biodiversity, using natural practices such as composting, cover cropping, and manual pest control. Many small wineries opt for practicing organic methods rather than pursuing official organic certification, primarily due to the significant cost, paperwork, and time commitment involved in certification processes. As a result, practicing organic is a popular choice among boutique and artisanal producers who remain committed to sustainable agriculture while managing budgetary constraints.
