Soil Science

In fact, we knew that the area had a tremendous amount of diversity in composition. One scientist explained to me that the top of the Mayacamas range is like all the dinner leftovers scraped off the plate. The way the range formed; it is a mishmash of different parent material that makes up the soils at the top of the range. The variation in soil chemistry creates benefits and also challenges. The variation in soil type means a range of raw materials and thus more options in crafting a blend. The challenge is in getting consistent ripening where soil chemistry is varied. Another challenge is in matching the rootstock to the soil conditions. The study process involves digging pits for visual study and lab work. Within the vineyard blocks we developed there were 3 completely different soil types (Goulding series, Henneke series & Toomes series.) From there, plans are crafted for which amendments to apply to the soil to balance out the soil chemistry & improve soil structure. These soil reports open up as many questions as they offer answers. I found myself doing research on beneficial nematodes, trace minerals, cation exchange in soil & rootstock types and their properties. Periodically finding answers in the wine business, feels more like opening up another world of study which adds further dimension to the process of wonder and discovery.