Our La Chenaie vineyard site is in the EolaAmity Hills AVA located west of Salem near Rickreall. It is a 103 acre site, planted in 2001, with 24.6 acres under vine of Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.
Some Pinot Noir clones at the site include Dijon 777, 667, 115, 114, Wadenswil and Pommard, along with older ‘heritage’ clones. The average elevation is 507 feet, with a south facing 8% slope.
The soils are a mix of clay and silty loam known as Jory, Gelderman, and Ritner, in that order from the deepest to the most shallow soils on the ridges. Our Pinot Noir vines are all impacted by cool afternoon breezes from the Van Duzer corridor, which also keep the nights cool and clusters dry, retaining acidity. It has been farmed organically since 2005.
