Our Varieties

Malbec

Officially known as Cot in France, this grape varietal is known by many monikers: Cote Rouge, Cot de Pays, and Pied Rouge to name a few. In the mid 1800’s it was introduced into California by several different individuals. Our particular clone is Malbec 09 and is also known as French 180. This clone originated in Bordeaux vineyards in the Gironde area and was brought to California Davis in 1989 as part of an effort to import French clones into the US during that time frame.

Recognizing this varietal as a bit of an aggressive grower, we chose to space the vines further apart than what many consider “standard” vine spacing. At 10 feet between vines, there is plenty of room for the vines to grow comfortably and create balance for Malbec’s vegetative growth tendency. The vertical-shoot position system allows for the strong upright growth habits of Malbec as well. Our Malbec Vineyard is situated with a south facing direction on moderate vigor soil on a gentle slope, further balancing it’s growth characteristics.

Grown at 2200 feet, the temperature shifts from hot days to cooler nighttime temperatures benefits the grapes and allows them to produce a higher level of acidity, perfect for more cellar-able wines!

Root Stock: 95 % RS3, 5 % RS9 Clone Malbec 09

Acres Planted 2.2

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Petit Verdot

This deep rich Bordeaux varietal has an ancient history going back a thousand years, cultivated by the Romans in the area. Our varietal, Petit Verdot 02 finds its history tied to the Sierra Foothills! Initially planted in vineyards in the Berkeley, California area in 1870, the clone was then used in the University of California Foothill Experimental Station in Amador County which was established in 1889 to help transition miners into farming. The vineyards were abandoned in early 1900s and sat unattended for sixty years. This lost Heritage clone was re-identified around 1965 by the FPS and replanted into the foundations vineyards in 1967.

Our Petit Verdot is provided with warm, well drained granitic soil situated with an east/west facing aspect on a gentle slope. Attentiveness to Petit Verdot’s sensitive overall nature, preferring cooler temperature and dislike of water stress allows us to optimize the late ripening character of this grape.

Petit Verdot translates to “Small green” due to the late ripening of these berries. Their thick skins, naturally higher acidity and tannins, and dark inky color make it perfect for creating rich deep wines or for blending to balance and add depth to other varietals.

Root Stock: 80% RS3, 20% RS9 Clone Petit Verdot 02

Acres Planted 1.8

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Petite Sirah (Durif 03)

This French Rhone Varietal was originally discovered by Dr. François Durif in 1880 when he noticed a natural crossing between the ancient vine Peloursin and Syrah. The varietal found it’s way to the US four years later and was introduced into vineyards near Mission San Jose, California and became known as Petit Sirah rather than Durif in the US.

Our varietal, Durif03 , is suited to the dryer climates of California and grows well on the north south slope in our granitic well drained soil of moderate vigor. These cultural attributes create conditions that allow Petit Sirah to express qualities desired for high quality wines.

Root Stock: RS3 CloneDurif 03

Acres Planted: 1.2

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Please note, we have additional acreage available for planting grapevines. Give us a call to discuss possibilities!

Quail Run Vineyards

Somerset, California

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