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THE
VINES
Resonance Vineyard is Biodynamically® certified
and family owned. The 20-acre vineyard is
located in Oregon’s Yamhill Carlton District AVA
(American Viticulture Area, as designated by the
federal government).
Virtually all the vines are own-rooted. Of
course, this leaves them at risk to phylloxera.
But Biodynamic® practices, a strong nutritional
program and commitment to a diverse, healthy
microbial community in the soil significantly
mitigates the disease risk. The Chambers believe
that plants should be grown on their own root
systems rather than be grafted to other species'
roots. They feel this leads to healthier plants,
better drought tolerance and superior wine
quality. A few grafted vines have been planted
for experimental purposes, but the intent is to
sustain an own-rooted vineyard. At 26 years of
age in the oldest blocks, the vines are now
yielding profoundly complex wines. It is the
Chambers' intent to maintain this "old vine
character" in the wines for as long as possible.
The benevolent climate creates a near perfect
match for cool-climate varietals of Vitis
vinifera (such as Pinot Noir and
Gewurztraminer). The wet winters coupled with
soils of sufficient water-holding capacity allow
dry farming of vines. And the warm summers
provide more than adequate heat to fully ripen
the fruit. The growing season is very long (over
210 days) and dry which keeps disease and insect
pressures at a minimum. Average bloom dates
coincide with the Summer Solstice allowing for
bloom to occur during the period of maximum
light (over 16 hours). Final ripening occurs
just after the Autumnal Equinox. This keen
association between vine physiology and earth
rhythms provides for healthy vines and
profoundly flavorful fruit. The dramatic diurnal
temperature swings (often exceeding 40°F) during
the final ripening phase helps retain natural
acidity in the fruit while maximizing the
anthocyanin and polyphenol levels (contributing
deep color and mouth-coating texture to the
wines, as well as providing healthful
anti-oxidants).
The entire vineyard is on a vertical, upright,
shoot-positioned trellis (commonly called a VSP).
Spacing on the oldest vines is 8 feet between
rows and 6 feet between vines, leaving 908 vines
per acre. The most recent plantings are set at
7.5 feet between rows and 5 feet between plants
or 1162 vines per acre and 7.5 feet by 4 feet or
1452 vines per acre. All vines are cane pruned
with very low head heights of 18-24." The
trellis is 6.5 feet high allowing the canopy to
grow as high as 7.5 feet before being hedged
(which occurs only once a season). This allows
for a large leaf area to accommodate adequate
ripening even in cool vintages.
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