Soils
ESTATE VINEYARD, KAMEN ESTATE WINES
Diverse Volcanic Soils
ESTATE VINEYARD, KAMEN ESTATE WINES
The Moon Mountain District is geologically distinct from the rest of Sonoma Valley as it is composed entirely of volcanic material whereas the valley itself is alluvial in nature.
There are at least six volcanic soil parent materials identified, the most noteworthy are the rich reds that present brilliant contrast to the verdant green of the vine rows. The outline of an ancient caldera can be traced along the ridge lines.
Soils are well-draining and gravelly. Radiant heat reflecting from the soils provides warmth, allowing for more complete ripening. The stress of growing premium wine grapes in these soils results in smaller fruit size, far lower-yielding than valley floor locations, equating to wine with rich, well-ripened, intense flavors that enjoy long cellar lives.
Soil compositions are predominately fractured silty basalt, stony basalt and ash, with some rhyolitic tuff, giving many soilscapes a moonlike appearance. Some areas have significant clay deposits that imbue soils in those vineyards with an intense red color.
Water
MOON MOUNTAIN VINEYARD, REPRIS WINES
The AVA has four natural aquifers and a shared surface watershed which serves vineyards with seasonal flows. Drainage is generally excellent as most vineyards have been sited over decades with a view to natural drainage in respect of existing slope and contour. Water use is generally very well managed and some vineyards report being able to expand or add vineyard size while significantly reducing volume of irrigation and pumped water.
