Lower Lake, CA (March 4, 2020) – Shannon Ridge Family of Wines is pleased to announce the purchase of the long-revered Giannecchini Vineyard. Located in the Talmage Bench AVA in Mendocino County, the 27-acre vineyard is planted with Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Sangiovese.
Shannon Ridge’s sustainable farming practices made Giannecchini Vineyard a natural choice. Purchased from 4th generation owner Steve Giannecchini, the ranch has been in the Giannecchini family since the 1900s. Steve’s maternal great grandfather Simone Guidi, who lived to be 100-years old, immigrated from Lucca in Tuscany, Italy, and first planted vines sometime between 1910-1920.
Much of the vineyard was planted in the 1950s with various sections replanted over the years. Approximately 15 acres of original head-pruned Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, grafted on St. George rootstock, have been dry-farmed for more than 75 years. Shannon Ridge plans to maintain these techniques.
“I am very interested in the Talmage Bench Area in Mendocino county,” remarked Clay Shannon, President and CEO of Shannon Ridge Family of wines. “The soil and climate for growing ultra-premium wine grapes is incredible. High soil calcium and lower magnesium levels with balanced potassium will produce silky, velvety, dark, mineral-driven fruit with balanced tannins.” Perched off the valley floor, the coveted vineyard is known for its gravelly, loam soils and long history of agriculture.
“Knowing the rich Italian history of the farming area and the fact there is dry-farmed Old Vine Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Sangiovese on the site, we jumped at the opportunity to purchase the Giannecchini Vineyard,” Shannon beamed. “We are organically farming this ranch in an effort to be certified organic within the next 3 years.”
About Shannon Ridge Family of Wines
The Shannon family is committed to preserving their land, not only for the great vineyard sites but also for the bear, elk, mountain lions, eagles and other creatures which live there. Of their approximately 2,500 acres, only about 45% have been converted to vineyards. The balance of the land has been preserved for the wildlife which wanders through the property from the expansive wilderness areas adjoining the ranches. The vineyards were carefully planned out, leaving corridors open to migrating animals and protecting sensitive nesting areas.
The Shannon Ridge Family of Wines portfolio includes Buck Shack, Clay Shannon, High Valley, Old Pearl, OVIS, Pistol Grip, Playtime, Urgency, Vigilance, Shannon Ridge, and Shannon Reserve. www.shannonridge.com
