Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/480754
April 2015 WINES&VINES 53 WINEMAKING New vineyards focus on quality When the Giguieres started R.H. Phillips, they were learning about grapegrowing and winemaking on the job, and they proved the Dunnigan Hills could support quality, value-priced wines. Now, with a second opportunity, Lane Giguiere explained, "This time around, we have the knowledge and experience to really home in on increasing the quality of what we're growing and producing here." The Giguieres have em- ployed better techniques to get the ground ready for planting, such as soil ripping in three direc- tions, adding the right soil amend- ments and planting the grape varieties and clones best suited to the area. In 2012, Crew purchased 2,150 acres adjacent to the winery and developed 500 acres of vine- yards under the direction of co- owner and vineyard manager Karl Giguiere. The new planting in- cluded 110 acres with a non-tra- ditional "hanging curtain" trellis system designed to produce a larger number of smaller, looser clusters for red grape varieties to enhance grape and wine quality and to reduce vineyard production costs with the ability to be me- chanically harvested and pruned. This block includes Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Tannat. The first crop of several variet- ies from the 2012 planting was picked in 2014—including Char- donnay and a Tempranillo clone of Tinto de Toro. Additional acre- age has been planted each year, and new vineyards were planted in 2014 near the new tasting room with a new Rioja clone of Tempra- nillo. "We feel this area is perfectly suited for Tempranillo," Ceder- quist said. He said the original 73-acre Matchbook Vineyard, Grapes from estate vineyards go into the Matchbook, Arsonist and Sawbuck wines. In 2012, Crew purchased 2,150 acres adjacent to the winery and developed 500 acres of vineyards under the direction of co-owner and vineyard manager Karl Giguiere.