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Photo by Mary Fish
Sauvignon Blanc has an amazing ability to change both its aromatic as well as flavor profile based on the inherent character of the site, as well as, the 'cultural practices' of the wine grower. Probably the single greatest area of influence the grower has is the management of the foliage or "canopy" of the vines. As a general observation, the fuller the canopy and the more shaded the fruit, the more grapefruit, gooseberry and herbal quality is found in the finished wine. Conversely, more direct sun brings out fig, melon and tropical flavors. There are of course some very subjective calls to be made in what direction we would like to move toward style wise, but as always our first goal is to find the natural balance that each block desires, based on its age, soil type and clone/rootstock combination.
According to winemaker Steven Canter, "The advantage of working with five different sub-blocks of varying age and different trellising systems, is that by varying the canopy management in each block, there are literally dozens of distinctly different wine lots I can use to create the final blend. The down side is there are dozens of different wine lots, all with added levels of complexity brought in during harvest."
The Fig Tree Vineyard's different blocks:
Block 6
Planted in 1999 using the Mondavi #9 clone grafted on 101-14 rootstock. This is a very vigorous block and requires a split-vertical training to allow the vines to express their vegetative urges. We will make several passes through this block early in the season to remove excess lateral shoots and allow some dappled light in on the eastern side of the rows.
Block 8
Although planted one year before Block 6, and to the same scion and rootstock combination, these vines are far less vigorous due to a shallow layer of gravel that allows for better drainage. This block is almost self-regulating, as far as crop load and canopy growth. Other than winter pruning, a single pass to remove "sucker" or unwanted small canes is all that is required.
Block 14
The oldest of the five blocks and home to the 130 year old fig tree that gives our Sauvignon Blanc its name. An interesting note about this block is that it was succumbing to the root louse Philoxera and was scheduled to be replanted in 2002. Luckily for thes vines, that was the year that Quivira began its conversion to Biodynamic® farming techniques. Within the first year the vines showed renewed vigor and growth. After five years they are continuing to thrive with minimal inputs and zero irrigation.
Block 15
Planted on the northern border of our property in 2003, this vineyard is just entering adolescence. It already shows great promise, but it will be a few more years before its true nature reveals itself.
Block 23
Another youngster (2002) we are very excited about. Planted to the Musque clone, grafted on 101-14 rootstock and trained to cordon, these young vines gave us some of our most exotic fruit is 2006 and we are very optimistic about the 2007 vintage which at this writing is just days away from harvest. We shall keep you posted.
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