Botticelli

History

Botticelli is a 60-acre mountain vineyard located around 1,200 feet above Lake Sonoma in the famous Rockpile appellation, which sits at the far western reaches of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. The history of Rockpile is a rich one beginning with the Pomo tribe, pre-1850, which called the region ‘kabe-chana’, meaning place with many rocks. Through the early 1900’s, the land was largely used for sheep ranches, and not until the creation of Lake Sonoma Reservoir in the 1980’s, did the property truly emerge as the impressive grape growing region it is today. Shortly after, in 2002, the Rockpile AVA was established. The current owners, Arthur and Susan Biedermann, planted 10 acres of zinfandel and petite sirah in 1997. Due to an inversion layer originating from Lake Sonoma, Botticelli receives ample sunlight throughout the growing season and less fog than nearby regions, leading to the production of high quality wine grapes.

Location

Rockpile AVA, North-western Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

Grape Varieties

Zinfandel, 6.5 acres, and petite sirah, one acre. Planted in 1997.

Soils

Suther loam

Training & Yields

Vertical Shoot Position (trellised) spur pruned. 2.5 to 4 tons per acre.