Local Terroir

Geological Influences

The geologic history of the Sierra Mountain Range itself is the backdrop for Calaveras. Three to four million years ago, the range began to uplift, with later erosion by glaciers exposing the granite underpinnings, which a cap of soils covers in the foothills. Those foothills themselves, with vineyards located in a range of about 1,000 to 3,000 feet (305 to 914 meters) in elevation, supply endlessly diverse microclimates for vintners to work with, fine-tuning varieties and clones to individual vineyards.


Mountains/River/other key influences

Calaveras and its neighboring appellations (Amador and El Dorado) are the beneficiaries of the history and effects of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range they hug. Steep vineyards wrap around endlessly varying hills, offering an array of aspects and sunlight exposure. While the region is warm, cool air from high peaks to the east flows down through the foothills at night.


Soil Diversity

In the foothills, a layer of soil tops what hides underneath: granite pushed up when the Sierra Nevada range began to rise three- to four-million years ago. Those soils include schist, slate and phyllite, marble, metavolcanic, granitic, volcanic (andesitic), and volcanic—contributing to the diversity of the region and the number of grape varieties that can thrive here.


Climate

The Calaveras climate is hot and dry during the growing season, too far inland to be affected by the Pacific Ocean’s moderating marine influence that more coastal wine regions enjoy. Intense sunlight and warmth encourage ripening, leading to ample sugar levels, complex fruit flavors, and mature tannins. At the same time, cool air flows down from the high mountain peaks at night, enabling the fruit to retain its acidity, so winegrowers are able to pick with an optimum balance between sugar levels and fresh acidity.


Calaveras Winegrape Alliance

Location/Geography

Surrounded by: to the north, Amador County; to the east, the Sierra Mountain Range; to the south, Tuolumne County; and to the west, San Joaquin Valley

Name Background

From the Spanish word for "skulls." Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga, during his 1806–1808 expedition, found many skulls of Native Americans along the banks of a river, thus naming it “Calaveras (“Skulls”) River.

Topography/Elevation/Water Sources/Geographic Features

Foothills of the Sierra Mountain Range, at 1,000 - 3,000 ft (305 - 914 m) in elevation. Cool air from high peaks to the east flows down through the foothills at night.

Geology/Soil Composition

Schist, slate and phyllite, marble, metavolcanic, granitic, volcanic (andesitic), and volcanic

Climate

Hot and dry during the growing season, with intense sunlight. Cool air flows down from the high mountain peaks at night, enabling the fruit to retain its acidity

Main Grape Varieties

  • Cabernet Sauvignon (20% of red)
  • Syrah (16% of red)
  • Zinfandel (15% of red)
  • Merlot (12% of red)
  • Chardonnay (36% of white)
  • Sauvignon Blanc (27% of white)
  • Viognier (11% of white)