Soil composition of a vineyard is one of the most important viticultural considerations when planting grapevines.  After strenuous study of soil surveys of southwest Ohio, we have determined that a disconnect has occurred between the limited available soil information and the numerous conclusions drawn in terms of viticultural importance.  While this works well for marketing, it does close us off, at times, to that idea of “going out on a limb” on topics in which we do not fully understand.  A more complete soil survey specific to viticulture is needed.  Having said this, we do have some observations that are noteworthly:

1.  "Glaciated soils with excellent drainage help eliminate the “ponding effect” in which available soil moisture is available during the growing and harvest season to the vine. "

2.  "High soil moisture increases vegetative growth, delays fruit maturation, and the reduction of the major methoxypyrazine (IBPM) in the grape.  High levels of methoxypyrazine leads to bell pepper-like flavors in the resulting wines. "

3.  "Select or retrofit to an advanced trellis system (i.e. split canopy) can somewhat mitigate this effect, although not eliminate it.”

•  Poor Nitrogen Content:  In our soils, there is a lack of nitrogen, making vines work harder to send other nutrients to the grapes and spending less energy on the foliage.
• Excellent Drainage: Grape vines don't do well with wet roots.  Sandy/rocky soils drain water further into the earth.  Roots dig deep to find it, working harder still.
• Ancient Ice: The vineyard was created by glacial erosion, which supplies good mineral nutrition to the vines via ground  rock flours.

 
Our Climate:

Situated high above the Ohio River,  La Vigna lays claim to the moderating influence of a large body of water.  Winds blow across the cool waters of the Ohio River and travel directly up a natural chute to the vineyard. This breezeway makes the vineyard unique and enhances the quality of fruit as the winds cool the grapes on hot summer days.  Proximity to the Ohio River is definitely a plus for this site.  The water, leveling out temperature highs and lows, moderates temperatures.  With winds from the southwest, the site has a 185+ day frost-free growing season.