"There is a misconception that vine clones are genetically engineered when in fact, they are a cutting that hasn't undergone any genetic manipulation and is simply wood taken from a mother plant."Jean Michael Menant, Director of the Viticcole de Bourgoogne.
"Great wines need soil that can breathe for two reasons: first, aerated soil dries and thus warms up faster, allowing the grape to mature fully; secondly, aerated soil allows the oxygen-seeking roots to grow deep into the ground."Famous French soil scientists and consultants for Domaine Romanée Conti, Claude and Lydia Bourguignon.
"It has been demonstrated that excessive yield is bad for a wines quality. The [viticulturalist's] art is to domesticate this exuberant plant and transform it into a kind of bonsai."Jean Michael Menant, Director of the Viticcole de Bourgoogne
Each clone or selection in our vineyard is planted on a rootstock that is selected for a specific reason: the soil, drainage, special growth characteristic, or for the flavor it imparts. We believe the rootstock adds as much complexity to the wine as the clone does. Our collection of rootstocks includes: 420A, 3309, Riparia Gloire, 161-49, 1103 P, S04, 5C, 4453, 110R, 140R, 779P, SQR, 101-14.
"Minerality is wine's ultimate measurement. Minerality is what makes the difference between a technological product and a unique object born of skill and artistry."Oliver Humbrecht, Winemaker for Domaine Zind-Humbrech
Anything but typical, the Alder Springs Vineyard white varietals are known for beautiful expressions of minerality and bright acidity. These are balanced perfectly by complex fruit flavors. Our Chardonnay vines produce elegant wines with a nervous tension akin to Grand Cru Chablis or Volnay rather than typical California productions.
Varietal: Clones
Chardonnay: 76, 96, 95, 107.1, 112.1, 114.1, 115.1, 124, 548, Hyde, Linda Vista, long & 66N87, Mt Eden, Wente
Chenin Blanc: 17.3,1.1 & 6.1
Falanghina: 1.1
Marsanne: 574
Petite Arvine: 1
Picpoul Blanc: 1.1 & 2.1
Roussanne: Alban, 468
Semillon: 5, 14.1, 15.1
Vermentino: 1.1 & 2.1
Viognier: Alban, 642
The taste of mineral and stone with our characteristic lushness. Reds from Alder Springs Vineyard are known for producing a complex harmony of fruit, generous spice, and earthy-mineral components. Not surprising, our Pinot Noir is the most expressive varietal, producing a wine that is not quite French in style and not Californian but undoubtably Alder Springs.
Varietal: Clones
Cabernet Franc: 214, 327
Cinsault: 2.1, 3.1
Counoise: Tablas Creek, 508
Gamay: 5.1, 9.1
Grenache Noir: Alban 1 & 2, 515, 362
Mencia: 2.1, 3.1
Merlot: 181
Mourvedre: Alban, 450
Malbec: 596, 598
Pinot Munier: 5.1
Pinot Noir: 115, 113, 667, 777, 459, 2A, 828, 943, Swan, Pommard, Calera, La Tache, DRC, Massal
Syrah: 383, 300, 174, 525, 470, 877, Alban, 1, 2, PB, Chave
Tannat: 794, 474, 717
Trousseau: 10.1, 3.1