Col Solare Winery

Overview

Col Solare Estate Vineyard was designed and planted according to speci cations that Marchesi Antinori uses in its own estate vineyards in Tuscany and Umbria. The orientation, spacing and density were matched with the site to ensure uniform ripening and fruit quality.

Appellation

RedMountain

Planted

Spring 2007

First Harvest Date

Full crop, 2010

Total Acres

28.10 acres

Acres By Variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.15; Merlot, 2.39; Cabernet Franc, 2.24; Malbec, 1.87; Syrah, 1.82; Petit Verdot, 1.63

Vine Density

2,000 plants per acre; 7’ between rows

Soil

Sandy loam with high calcium carbonate content and high pH, good drainage and medium to light soils

Elevation

850’-1,020’slopingdownhillNortheastto Southwest.

Orientation

With the winery at its apex, the vineyard was planted in a radial pattern, like the sun’s rays, which follows the natural contours of the site. Bordeaux varieties and Syrah were sited on the vineyard according to their sensitivity to prevailing wind patterns, and the solar and shade angles during the day.

Training, Trellising Systems

Single Cordon training system, in a high-density vineyard, allows a short, single cordon to establish uniform growth and fruiting. The Vertical Shoot Positioning trellising system ef ciently manages vine uniformity and fruit exposure.

Climate

One of Washington State’s warmest sites with great variation between day and night temperatures. Average annual rainfall is 6” to 8”.

Vigor

Moderate vigor and small berries with thick skins are typical from Red Mountain vineyards.

Growing Season

Early bud break, early harvest

Wine Character

Big, bold fruit with deep color; intense concentration, structure and complexity; high tannin are typical from Red Mountain vineyards.