Laetitia Vineyard

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Located four miles from the Pacific Ocean, our estate vineyard is part of a distinct viticultural area whose unique topography makes it one of California's coolest grape growing regions. The western portion of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA, where our estate vineyard is located, is considered a Region I (coolest region) on the U.C. Davis scale.

When a group of French enologists and viticulturalists set out to plant the original vineyard in 1982, they carefully researched the terrain, planting vines in specific sites chosen for their soil profile, exposure and microclimate. This model was also used to plant new vines in the late 1990's and explains the patchwork layout of vineyard blocks within our estate.

Our estate is comprised of 1,888 acres, with 620 acres currently planted to grapevines. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted varietal, with 450 acres under cultivation. Chardonnay is the next largest planting with 85 acres, followed by Pinot Blanc (64 acres), Tempranillo (27 acres), Syrah (26 acres), Pinot Gris (20 acres), and a small amount of Riesling.

The soils of our estate vineyard manifest many variations on a common theme. The primary soil type consists of loamy clay overlaying decomposed volcanic tuft and limestone shale. These calcareous-based soils help control vine vigor, which results in wines of great typicity and singularity. The vineyards are planted to a series of south facing hillsides, which protect the vines from the wind and fog rushing in from the nearby ocean. The unique character of our site provides sunny days with moderate night time temperatures, fostering a long, cool growing season. Our vineyard's rocky hillsides allow for excellent drainage, which is essential for controlling vine vigor. The average harvest yields roughly 4.5 pounds of grapes per vine (2.5 - 3.0 tons per acre), or the equivalent of 2 bottles of wine per vine.

Arroyo Grande Valley AVA

www.laetitiawine.com