Our rows have a north/south orientation. Overhanging foliage is trimmed on the east side of our rows to capture maximum morning sun, while the overhanging canopy on the western side shades our fruit from the intensely hot afternoons in the Uco Valley. This labor-intensive canopy management enhances the polyphenols of our fruit.

Left unchecked, malbec vines can produce 4+ tons of fruit per acre. By ‘green harvesting’ or cutting off perfectly good clusters after bud break, we reduce our output to 1.5-2 tons per acre. Not only does this eliminate poorly positioned clusters but it enables our remaining fruit to receive maximum energy from the soil. Less is more.

Our vineyard is basically in a high mountain desert. While our vines require water, we minimally irrigate during the growing season which forces the roots deeper into the alluvial soil in search of water. While this process stresses each vine, it increases the rate of sugar accumulation in our fruit as well as key compounds that enhance color and aromas.