|
 |
 |
 |
Gamba
Vineyards and Winery is a small, family owned vineyard and winery
business in Sonoma County, California. The over century old 27.5 acre
Gamba Estate Vineyard parcel rests on th Eastern edge of the beautiful
Russian River Valley Appellation, on gently rolling benchland above the
valley floor. Planted to Zinfandel in 1900, the
Gamba Estate Vineyard consists primarily of Old Vine Zinfandel, as
well as small separate blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon. With ideal
Southern exposure, the vineyard is bathed in sunlight during the
growing season. On average the yield is small, in part due to
nature, but also by design-approximately one half ton, and
occasionally up to one ton per acre is harvested, depending on the
vigor of vineyard block and severity of pruning. <br><br>The
vines are organically dry farmed. The dry farming method relies solely
on yearly rainwater to irrigate the vineyard. This method will
generally decrease tonnage, however, in
exchange, the remaining fruit clusters achieve a wonderful
concentration of flavors. The vineyard has been farmed since its
beginnings using the dry farming method, as well as other labor
intensive, traditional methods. Each vine is cleared of ground cover at
its base by hand. The Gamba's still own the original horse plows for
discing rows, although now they employ the use of modern equipment to
turn the soil. The vines are pruned, thinned and harvested by hand.
Italian prune trees were planted years ago, and more recently lavender,
to attract predatory insects to drive out unwanted pests. Roses were
planted to give an early indication of powdery mildew that may develop
early in the season. The Gamba family has used organic methods to
counter any adversity faced in the vineyard, as it has been done since
1900. To this day, they do not use herbicides or any pesticides in the
production of their winegrapes. <br><br>The desirable
soil in the vineyard is known in the area as "Huachica" loam, named
after the original native inhabitants of the area the vineyard
occupies. This soil is excellent for farming, with ideal ratios of
sand, clay, stones and organic matter in the ancient volcanic
mix, seemingly custom made by nature for winegrapes. Light in color
with low to moderate water retention and good drainage, the soil is
sprinkled with small stones, all making for desirable winegrape
farming. The Russian River Appellation location not only provides the
ideal soil composed of stoney ancient volcanic ash, but also an
excellent overall climate for winegrapes. Warm days and cool nights,
and light breezes from the Pacific, all have positive affects on the
growing season. The day heating and nightime cooling cycle plays an
important part of why Northern California is a world class wine
producing region. The microclimate on the Eastern edge of the Russian
River Valley, specifically where the Gamba Vineyard is located on the
Fulton benchland, provides enough heat units to ripen the grapes, and
enough natural cooling influences from the Pacific Ocean to allow for
extended hang time, to provide additional concentration and optimal
maturation for our winegrapes. The vineyard enjoys views North into the
Russian River Valley. To the Northeast, stands the majestic Mount St.
Helena. To the West, lie rolling vineyards to the foothills that are
the home of the great Redwoods, with the Pacific Ocean beyond. On cloud
free days, the top of Mount Tamalpais near the San Francisco Bay can
be seen reaching skyward in the distant Marin County to the South.
|
|
|
|
|