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Article: Growing sparkling wine.(Industry Overview)
- Article from:
- Wines & Vines
- Article date:
- December 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Wines & Vines. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Sorting out the best vineyards and techniques for growing sparkling wine grapes in California is an ongoing process. Wines & Vines asked some top California producers to share what they have learned recently on that subject.
Wayne Donaldson, vice president of winemaking and vineyards at Domaine Chandon, said Chandon gets very good Chardonnay from vineyards on Mount Veeder. "It is just tremendous Chardonnay for sparkling wine," he said. "The key is that it is above the fog line. The days are very long and cool."
Donaldson said the vines were planted on yellow clay soils with vertical shoot positioning and spaced mostly 8 feet by 5 feet. They were planted ...