Malbec Clones

December 2nd, 2009

Outside of the Pinot Noir buzz we have had over the past few seasons, one of our most popular varietals has been Malbec (Or Cot as our French Entav counterparts call the variety).  Over the past few seasons we have added a few new French clones to our catalog.  With those along with the few selections from California, growers have a decent amount of options when choosing for their new development.

California Clones:

FPS #4 –
Selected from Bordeaux originally by FPS.  Not much data available.  Was used in a trial in Oakville during the late 1990s that did not show much difference between the 3 CA clones available at the time.

FPS #6 –
Also used in the Oakville trial.  Clone experiences very bad blossom drop/shatter and was the lowest yielding clone in the trial.

FPS #9 –
The main clone we have used in California vineyards before Entav.  It is reported to be clone #180 from France.  #180 is a highly vigorous selection that can experience blossom drop/shatter issues.

FPS #10/11 –
These clones are different heat treatments of what is reported to be clone 46 from France.  This is the most widely planted clone in the Cahors region.  According to French data, clone 46 is one of the higher yielding clones due to its superior fertility.

Entav Clones:

#595 EV –
First selection imported through the program.  Most proven of the French selections.  Slightly lower vigor than other clones and can cooperate more at fruit set.  Earlier ripening clone that originated in the Cahors region.

#596 EV –
Newly imported selection from Cahors.  More widely planted in France than clone #595.  In clonal wine tastings in California with Entav, wines have been very similar to #595.

#598 EV –
Another newly imported clone from the Cahors region.  Most widely planted clone in France of the Entav selections.  In wine tastings it has been a real standout between the three with a more unique flavor profile.

Overall, there is not much data available on Malbec clones.  This is mainly a breakdown of what is out there and available.  In those areas that have major issues with set, a lower vigor rootstock is the main thing growers can do to see improvements.  Outside of that, the French Entav clones seem to fair better as well, but you can get further by making the right rootstock selection.

Please contact your local Sunridge Vineyard Representative to get the current plant availability of these selections.

Jeff Koligian - Independent Viticulture Consultant

January 6th, 2009

PASO ROBLES, California

Jeff Koligian, a well-respected and experienced viticulturalist, announces his launching as an independent viticulture consultant. Jeff specializes in the selection and planting of grapevine nursery stock and the development and maintenance of vineyards.

As a third generation grape grower in California, Jeff comes from a long tradition of viticulture—starting in his family vineyard at five years old, he has been around vineyards all his life. He graduated from California State University, Fresno in 1978 with a degree in Agriculture and emphasis in Viticulture. After graduation, he operated a 640-acre vineyard in Madera. His career then moved him to Monterey County, where he eventually worked his way up to become a vineyard manager with responsibilities covering 4,200 acres of wine grapes. Several large coastal wineries have hired Jeff as their vineyard manager and key grower relations representative.

For the last twelve years, Jeff was employed by Sunridge Nurseries Inc., most recently as their grapevine technical advisor. Throughout the years, he has been an expert witness relating to grapevines and vineyard development. As Jeff explains, “After spending the first part of my career making a living by managing thousands of acres of vineyards, I have learned the importance of good vine performance. I have seen over 15 million vines planted in a broad spectrum of conditions, which gives me tremendous knowledge to recommend exactly the right plants and conditions for your vineyards.”

Jeff is well known in the industry as a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, President of the Monterey Country Grape Growers’ Association, Board Member of the Paso Robles Area Quality Alliance, Co-Chair of the Industry Advisory Board, and President of the Central Coast Ag. Task Force. With his own personal vineyard, Jeff has achieved excellent success and balance in planting all types of vines. He is currently running a grapevine performance trial on the vineyard that he owns and operates.

Jeff, with his professionalism and experience, will be a welcomed authority in advising both new plantings and as a “grapevine troubleshooter” for the industry.

Sunridge Managers Visit IFV in France

October 1st, 2008

Sunridge’s relationship with IFV (ENTAV)* goes back to early 1995, when the idea of bringing ENTAV-INRA® clones to the United States marketplace was first discussed. Over the past thirteen years, this relationship has grown and now these special clones are on the forefront of demand from the wine industry.

Both entities continually strive to share information and technical support. Each year, IFV sends technicians—experts in their fields—to check on the mother blocks of ENTAV-INRA® clones at Sunridge. We frequently have internationally renowned ampelographers, like Jean-Michel Boursiquot, and wine grape specialists, such as Laurent Audeguin and Christophe Schneider, come to California to walk our blocks, share technical data, and visit our customers.

In an effort to strengthen our education of the current French industry, as well as IFV’s current clonal selections, Sunridge also sends its representatives to France. In the past, both Glen and Craig Stoller frequently made visits. This year, Sunridge’s General Manager, Steve Maniaci, and Sales Manager, Butch McKinley, visited IFV’s repository and laboratories in Domaine de l’Espiquette, in southern France’s Montpellier region. They learned about the newest clonal selections and the on-going, extensive testing of all clones that pass through IFV’s selection process. Technical information regarding Sunridge’s current available clones was shared and future selections were considered.
Sunridge is always searching for improved and better choices for its customers. We consistently improve our knowledge of our product so we can share it with our clients. Our strong affiliation with France’s highest authority on wines and vines brings to you, our customer, the most state-of-the-art products.

*The French Vine and Wine Institute (IFV – Institut Francais de la Vigne et du Vin) is the result of the 2007 merger of two French national government organizations: ENTAV and ITV France. The French Ministry for Agriculture and Fisheries declared that this Institute would conduct studies of the entire French wine industry regarding the selection of grape plant material and protection in their repository, vine growing, vineyard management, wine making and marketing. IFV conducts its research on its experimental sites established in all the French wine regions.

Americans are Discovering the Delightful Tastes of Spain and Portugal

July 10th, 2008

The delightfully full-bodied wines of Spain and Portugal have been prized since the days of the Roman Empire. On the sunny mountains and plains of the Iberian Peninsula, grapes of unique flavor, subtlety and balance have thrived for thousands of years.

The wines being made today from these old-world varieties offer a new world of sensory experiences for wine lovers. Although well-known by connoisseurs, Iberian wines have only recently begun to receive the international acclaim they deserve. American wine-drinkers are just now discovering them, and at Sunridge Nurseries, we want to put you at the leading edge of this rapidly growing trend.

We are proud to offer some of the most interesting and successful indigenous Iberian varieties as a result of our exclusive right to produce and market the proprietary clones of PLANSEL, the leading private Iberian clonal program. Several of these varieties have never before been available in the United States.

The similarity in climate between the Iberian Peninsula and some grape-growing areas of the U.S. makes these clones an ideal choice for growers interested in taking advantage of consumer demand for new and exciting flavors. Our Spanish and Portuguese varieties produce highly-classified, aromatic wines, ideal for blending.

The first eleven Iberian clones have recently been released from quarantine, having been found to be sanitary and clean by Foundation Plant Services at the University of California at Davis. These varieties will be available to Sunridge customers starting in 2008, with more clonal material to be released in the future.

New Trends Rooted in Excellence

May 3rd, 2008

Sunridge Nurseries has devoted the past 30 years to growing and grafting the highest quality grape stock. In our state-of-the-art facilities at the southern tip of California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley, we carefully nurture our vines in phylloxera-free soils and use the most technologically advanced cold storage to guarantee their quality and consistent performance.

We devote ourselves not only to our grape stock, but also to researching wine trends and anticipating future consumer demands. We invest in new varieties that will enable our growers to readily meet their demands and maintain the highest profitability.

With Sunridge Nurseries you receive more than vines of superior quality. Our level of customer service and personalized attention is unsurpassed.

For more information call us at 661.363.8463.