The Three Unique Single Vineyard Sites of Bacigalupi

Posted by Katey Bacigalupi in In the vineyard

photo credit Definition Films

Learn more about the unique individual sites at Bacigalupi Vineyards

Goddard Ranch
Purchased by Charles and Helen Bacigalupi in 1956 this property is the homestead of the Bacigalupi family and the oldest ranch they farm. With stewardship of this site for over a half a century this vineyard includes the famous Paris Tasting block of Chardonnay. This Chardonnay which is planted to an old Wente Clone or Wente Selection was the main source for the legendary 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Paris Tasting and helped to put the California wine industry on the map.

Vineyard Stats:
Total Acres: 120
Number of Acres Under Vine: Chardonnay: 25 Pinot Noir: 11
Clones: Wente and Pommard
Positioning: North to South
Topography: Knoll to Flat and Flat Bench
Elevation: 200 feet
Soil Type: Red, rocky volcanic clay
Treselling: Head trained and bi-lateral cordon
Irrigation: Drip and dry farmed

Bloom Ranch
Originally planted as a walnut orchard in the early 1960’s the Bacigalupi’s purchased this property in 1973 from the Bloom’s. Planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay this vineyard’s proximity to the Russian River provides an optimum growing environment.

Vineyard Stats:
Total Acres: 80
Number of Acres Under Vine: Chardonnay: 9 Pinot Noir: 4
Clones: Wente Chardonnay and 828 Pinot Noir
Positioning: East to West
Topography: Flat
Elevation: 150 feet
Soil Type: Red, volcanic clay
Treselling: bi-lateral cordon and canned pruned with moveable wires
Irrigation: Drip

Frost Ranch
Located a stone’s throw away from the Russian River this vineyard site produces classic Russian River style wines. Purchased by the Bacigalupi family in 1990 this area is known for its unique climate; cool mornings and warm afternoons. There are 4 clones of Pinot Noir planted here including Pommard, Wente, as well as several types of the Dijion clones along with Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

Vineyard Stats:
Total Acres: 65
Number of Acres Under Vine: Chardonnay: 7 Pinot Noir: 22 Zinfandel: 17 Petite Sirah: 7.5
Clones: Wente, Pommard, Dijion, Duprat, Trentadue, Foppiano
Positioning: East to West and North to South
Topography: Knoll to Flat and Flat Bench
Elevation: 130 feet
Soil Type: Cross-bedded sands and gravels
Treselling: Head trained, bi-lateral cordon and canned pruned with moveable wires
Irrigation: Drip and dry farmed