The Influence of Soil
Montelena Estate Vineyards
The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Montelena Estate Zinfandel
are grown in one of the world’s most unique winegrowing properties.
The site’s diversity of soils and slopes translates directly into
the layers of complex flavors in our wines.
The Estate vineyard is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep
hillsides. The vineyard gently slopes downward towards its base, where
a small patch of sedimentary soil was deposited by the settling of an
ancient ocean or lake. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial
soil, the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside
areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows
caused by tectonic uplifting.
This diversified soil profile results in aromatic, rich and full-bodied
Cabernet Sauvignon, characterized by the unique earthy-berry flavor
that is the Montelena Estate. Our decades old Zinfandel, planted in
volcanic soil, combined with our 10 year old vines in alluvial soil,
produces a wine with a spicy, ripe berry flavor.
Napa Valley Chardonnay Vineyards
The source for our Chardonnay is located in the south-central Napa
Valley appellation near the base of Mt. Veeder and the Dry Creek Valley
Rd. on the western bench of the Napa Valley. It has a good north-eastern
exposure with a slope of 4-7%. The soil profile is very similar to that
of the Carneros region called Haire-Loam, although the climate is slightly
warmer.
The vineyard site, developed from old ocean terraces and alluvial
fans, contains a lot of sedimentary material such as decomposed shale
and blue/gray clay. This soil mixture gives us moderate drainage and
slight acidity. Typically our Chardonnay has a concentrated floral,
green apple aroma and a refreshing and persistent impression on the
palate.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyards
The prime vineyards for our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon are located
in the northern end of the Napa Valley, in and around Calistoga. All
of the sites are located next to primary or secondary tributaries of
the Napa River and have been selected for their alluvium soil profile.
These characteristics result in earthy, complex and concentrated Cabernet
Sauvignon softened by the judicious addition of Merlot. The cobbly,
gravelly subsoil makes for deep root penetration and good drainage,
prominent characteristics of our Montelena Estate Vineyard.
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