Applegate Valley: river benches in old mountains
Across the upper Applegate River at Cowhorn, from the Siskiyou ridges on the west to the hills on the east. Tap a layer to read it.
Swipe the plate sideways to see the whole section.
Schematic, and the least certain plate in the set. The line runs west to east at about 42.15° N through Cowhorn. The bedrock is shown as the Applegate Group with one granitic intrusion; the real map has several plutons and slices of other Klamath rocks, and the position of the granite here is illustrative. It has not been checked against the DOGAMI geologic map of Jackson County. Heights from AWS terrain data.
3 layers, youngest at the top
Single vineyards we pour from. Tap one on the plate.
Why Rhône grapes thrive here
- The valley is far from the sea behind the Siskiyous: hot, dry summer days and cold nights.
- Rain falls mostly in winter, so the summers stay dry and disease pressure is low.
- River benches of cobble and granitic sand drain fast and keep vigour down.
- Deep-rooted vines on poor soil ripen Syrah and Grenache fully while keeping freshness.
Did you knowThe Applegate Valley sits inside the larger Rogue Valley appellation, and the Klamath and Siskiyou mountains around it are some of the oldest rock in Oregon.
Pas Mal wines on this ground
Sources: Oregon Wine Board, Applegate Valley AVA; Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, estate notes; Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), Jackson County geology; AWS Terrain Tiles.