Halter Ranch – Snail Prize
PASO ROBLES
8910 Adelaida Rd.
tel. (888) 367-9977
www.halterranch.com
info@halterranch.com
281 ac – 300,000 bt
‘‘An oasis of biodiversity, Halter Ranch has proven over the years that quality wine making can go hand in hand with respect for the land and environment”
PEOPLE
Located just fourteen miles from the Pacific Ocean, Halter Ranch is owned by Hansjoerg Wyss, a Swiss philanthropist dedicated to land conservation. This state-of-the-art gravity flow winery is a dream facility for winemaker, Kevin Sass, and associate winemaker, Molly Lonborg, who have both been with Halter Ranch since 2011. Longborg lives on the property and she also manages the quarter-acre employee garden, funded by Halter Ranch. Lucas Pope is the vineyard manager.
VINEYARDS
13 grape varieties grow on a dozen different limestone-based soils. In addition to vine acreage, the Halter Ranch also owns 1,700 acres of preserved forest. They have been SIPP Certified Sustainable since 2008. To protect local animals, a three mile long wildlife corridor leads to a water source at Adeleida Spring. Bat boxes, owl boxes, and raptor perches abound. Insects aren’t forgotten either: there’s a beneficial garden for bees and butterflies.
WINES
The house style is fresh and carefully crafted wine. The Grenache Blanc 2016 includes a small percentage of Picpoul Blanc and Viognier. It has notes of green apple and pear with a creamy finish from 4 months on the lees. The Côtes de Paso 2015 (Everyday wine) is a nod to Côtes du Rhône style blends and leads with 75% Grenache supported by Mourvedre, Syrah, and Tannat. Red and black cherry, clove, and leather lead to a smooth finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 includes some Malbec and Petit Verdot. Aged 18 months in 40% new French oak. It’s all rich black fruit with a touch of chocolate leading to a soft finish.
FERTILIZERS compost, manure
PLANT PROTECTION copper and sulfur
WEED CONTROL mechanical, mowing
YEASTS commercial cultured yeasts
GRAPES purchase 5%
CERTIFICATION none