Vineyards

Altamura's 400 acre ranch in Wooden Valley is host to 65 acres of hillside and valley floor vineyards at elevations of 700 to 1,000 feet.  The approximately 12 different soil types and microclimates carry distinguished traits found in other areas of the Napa Valley and required a rigorous site selection process prior to planting.  Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Survey of Napa County as a guide, Frank identified soil types on his ranch that were similar to the Rutherford Bench and the mountainous regions of Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill and Mount Veeder.  As a result, several different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon on a number of different rootstocks were utilized for the initial planting and replanting of existing vineyards in 1986.  The 5 acre Sangiovese vineyard was also planted in 1986 on a western facing hillside in nutrient-poor soils perfect for the vigorous varietal.  In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc and Nebbiolo are grown on the  Ranch.