By Michael Abbot, Winemaker
Ophir
Wines
The Sierra Nevada mountains form a wall running the length
of California along the state's eastern edge. Over eons,
Pacific storms dropped their precipitation on the western
slopes of the Sierras, eroding that side to form piedmonts,
or alluvial fans. What this geo-history means for wine
aficionados is that US label authorities have recognized the
unique character of wines from the region and designated it
as the Sierra Foothills AVA (American Viticultural Area).
Wine grape varieties and wine styles from this region vary
considerably depending on the elevation of the vineyard
location. At higher elevations, say over 1,500 feet, where
many El Dorado and Nevada County vineyards lie, the weather
is cool, there is more rain and some snow, and less topsoil.
Wines from these districts generally have more acid, less
alcohol, less body, and more delicate aromatics in the nose.
By contrast, below 600 feet is technically the Central
Valley, not the Sierra Foothills. To see for yourself the
difference that terroir makes, taste a Lodi Syrah and a
Nevada County Syrah side by side.
Between 600 feet and 1,500 feet is the historic band of
Sierra Foothills wine growing. Settlers drawn by the Gold
Rush recognized the Mediterranean climate of the region and
planted vineyards and olive trees as they had in their
native lands. Now a century and a half later, our wine
growing experience has affirmed that the Sierra Foothills
environment, with its decomposed granite soils, and warm
days relieved by cool nights, is ideal for grape varieties
such as Syrah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. Here the wines
tend to be more dense and full-flavored than many of their
high country relatives, more deeply colored, and given to
riper aromas. In comparison with their neighbors from Lodi
or the Sacramento River Delta, Sierra Foothills wines often
show more complexity and flavor dimensions, and a firmer
structure. To add another dimension to your terroir tasting,
include a Syrah from Placer or Amador County with its high
country and valley counterparts. You will taste noticeable
differences, and in the pleasurable process you'll hone your
wine tasting skills.
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Ophir Wines, of Newcastle, California produces about
1000 cases per year of fine wines from grapes grown in
California's historic Gold Rush country.
| Ophir Valley has its own
microclimate that is enhanced by the cooling influences of the
Auburn Ravine and several creeks running through it. Green
Ravine Vineyard lies a hundred yards from the ravine, while
Gold Blossom Vineyard sits alongside one of the area’s creeks.
After each warm day, the vines are revitalized as the flowing
water circulates cool night air through the vineyards. |
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