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War on Terroir: Wine Country Further Defined


	Looking more like a group on safari, soil scientists from four government agencies evaluate Ridgecrest soils, Summer 2001





	Oregon State University’s John Baham taking superficial soil samples in Summer 2001

With the continuing emphasis on “terroir” and technical viticultural investigation, work on several fronts promises to give winemakers and consumers detail they haven’t had before.

The US Geological Survey and Soil Conservation Service -- in concurrent but separate studies -- are investigating northern valley soils and underlying rock structures as part of multi-year projects to remap the Willamette Valley. Although not complete, better understanding of precisely how and where geological events occurred, plus further refinement of gross soil types into distinct classes, should result within the next year.

The wine industry has also completed work to carve up the northern Willamette Valley grape growing region into subappellations. They will give consumers meaningful geographical, microclimate or soils distinctions to use in identifying wines by family. Although we are not expecting precision close to the longstanding Burgundian appellations, this is a start.

Six sub-AVAs of the Willamette Valley had petitions submitted in mid-March, as culmination of a nine-month group effort involving all vineyards and wineries in the area: Eola Hills, Red Hills, Chehalem Mountains, Ribbon Ridge, Yamhill-Carlton District and Coast Range Foothills. Details will be released when response from the BATF is received, expected in 6-12 months.