SYRAH HAS A HOME IN BALLARD CANYON
IT IS ALL ABOUT LOCATION:
Although Ballard Canyon produces several intriguing and varied varietals, often to high critical acclaim, we are dedicated to the noble varietal Syrah. The cold nights, intense heat spikes, and high winds of Ballard Canyon combine to create concentrated wines that retain freshness and balance.
Ballard Canyon Syrahs rest in the middle of the grape’s stylistic range, possessing more weight and coating textures than Syrahs from the Northern Rhone, but with more vibrancy and freshness than the product of warmer climates like South Australia, Napa Valley, or Paso Robles.
“Syrah, so hearty it can continue to photosynthesize while being blown by gale force winds off the Pacific, is able to ripen to perfection in Ballard Canyon.”
Varities Planted by Acre (Bearing) in Ballard Canyon, 2010
As reported by the members of the Ballard Canyon Winegrowers
Red wine cultivars: (Rounded to nearest acre)
Syrah: 274 Acres
Grenache: 61
Sangiovese: 26
Nebbiolo: 10
Cabernet Sauvignon: 29
Cabernet Franc: 20
Merlot: 9
Petit Verdot: 5
Petite Sirah: 6
Mourvedre: 7
Tempranillo: 4
Counoise: 3
Zinfandel: 2
Cinsault: 1
Total: 458 reported acres of bearing red wine grapes.
Region of Origin:
Rhone Varietals: 76%, Bordeaux: 14%,
Italian: 8%, California ‘Heritage’: 2%
White wine cultivars: (Rounded to nearest acre)
Roussanne: 16
Marsanne: 4
Viognier: 20
Grenache Blanc: 7
Sauvignon Blanc: 31
Semillon: 3
Malvasia Bianca: 2
Total: 83 reported acres of bearing white wine grapes.
Region of Origin:
Rhone Varietals: 57%, Bordeaux: 40%,
Italian: 2%