Three Valleys
Vineyard
First RIDGE Three Valleys: 2001
Location: Two vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, three in Alexander Valley, and o ne in Russian River Valley
Soils: Varied, with a predominance of gravelly loam; gravelly clay loam on hillsides.
Vines: Approximately 20% eighty to one-hundred years old, 50% thirty-five to forty-five years, 30% seven to fourteen years.
Training: Head trained (no trellis), spur pruned
Yields: 1.5 to 3.0 tons per acre
History
The history of the Ridge Sonoma County Three Valleys began with
the release of the 2001. The wine contains grapes from a number of Sonoma vineyards - this year, six. We take great care in selecting the fruit, which is hand-harvested, then crushed and fermented at both Monte Bello and Lytton Springs. Unlike our single-vineyard wines, which reflect the distinctive character of each site, Three Valleys represents the blending of vineyards - winemaking at its finest. Zinfandel fruit determines the wine's varietal character; old vine carignane contributes its own bright fruit and acidity; petite sirah and syrah add peppery spice, depth of color, and firm tannins; grenache brings briar fruit and lively tannins.
