Eagle Foothills

Eagle Foothills As a Wine Region?

The Eagle Foothills, do they truly have the potential to become a commercially viable wine region? This question has been asked of me frequently, so often in fact, that I feel compelled to center this column on that question. I'll try to explain what I do know to be fact and hopefully clearly define the term terroir as well.

If the terroir is right it follows that the potential does exist for all that comes with what can be defined as a wine region developed here in the Eagle Foothills.

"Terroir is the much discussed term for the total natural environment of any viticultural site." This quote is the first line in the section headed "Terroir" in the Oxford Companion to Wine by Jancis Robinson. This may be the first line, but the subject itself goes on paragraph after paragraph for pages. The point here? There is no one answer. Terroir is the relationship of soil, temperature, rainfall, topography, altitude, slope and the balance of these things, along with many more elements that comprise the "terroir of the Eagle Foothills."

The necessary deep, well drained soils, correct ph balance, and south facing slopes do all exist here in the Foothills. This shows that the potential does exist for exceptional vineyard sites. But be careful interpreting this message. Grape vines grow like weeds and they will grow just about anywhere. That in itself is not enough. The appropriate varietal must be placed in an appropriate site; not a romanticized varietal placed because of the ambience of the site. Row-orientation, degree of slope and varietal choice for each potential vineyard must be taken into consideration? Will the fruit actually ripen? That is the most important question. The balance of the sugar levels (Brix) with the acid levels at harvest is critical. Choosing the varietal that has the greatest potential to consistently achieve this balance is as important as the vineyard location.

The Eagle Foothills! The question: Can we have a commercially viable wine region? Absolutely! The quality of fruit that can be harvested here has been proven. It is a matter of site selection, choice of grape varietal, row orientation, modern irrigation techniques and a lot of work, patience and management of the numerous forces of nature. Terroir is not just a word, not just an expression. This micro-climate and topography will similarly influence the grapes and in the end the quality of the wine favorably.

A bottle of wine produced from this environment is the only real test of what can be.
That bottle has now become a reality in the Eagle Foothills. The fruit harvested last fall in our vineyards produced exceptional wines. Embrace the terroir of the Eagle Foothills; I think we're going to be something quite special.