Planted originally in 1868, the To Kalon Vineyard has become recognized as one of the first-growth vineyards of the world. Ancient Greek for “the highest beauty,” To Kalon is the historic vineyard that provides Robert Mondavi Winery with grapes for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon, and is the exclusive source of our Fumé Blanc Reserve.
To Kalon is also home to our cherished I-block where we have 60-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines that give us the wonderfully complex fruit for our I Block Fumé Blanc. Additional varieties planted in the vineyard include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Syrah and Semillon.
TO KALON LEGACY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Robert Mondavi Winery has applied innovative research and development processes in matching rootstocks with soil to enhance wine quality.
ROOTSTOCK, CLONAL, AND SPACING TRIALS The 31-acre To Kalon Vineyard H-block at Robert Mondavi Winery is dedicated to the study of Cabernet family varieties. In 2005, the winery began what is planned as a 10-year, $10 million program of replanting and vineyard improvements at the historic To Kalon Vineyard.
SPACING Until the mid-1980s, standard California vineyard spacing was 8'x12'. In the European-style high-density format (4’x4’), vines are forced to compete with each other for sustenance, resulting in lower yields, smaller berries, and more intense fruit flavors. In the To Kalon Vineyard, Robert Mondavi Winery has more high-density plantings than any other California winery.
The Stags Leap District growing region has distinctive gravelly and clay loam soils, which retain less water, gently stressing the grapevines, resulting in small berries and intensely flavored fruit. The steep, eastern cliffs retain and reflect the afternoon sun, while breezes from the nearby San Pablo Bay maintain cool morning and evening temperatures. The vines thrive in this unique environment and give us wines with balanced acidity, velvety texture and ripe fruit flavors.
IN THE VINEYARD
HOW ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY USES NATURAL, SUSTAINABLE FARMING TECHNIQUES.
- Adopted natural winegrowing philosophy in the early 1970s and to this day remains a leader in ongoing research and experimentation.
- Currently manages more than 1,000 naturally farmed acres in Napa Valley.
- Establishes raptor roosts to encourage the proliferation of natural predators to control vine pests and rodents.
- Reduces insect pests, powdery mildew and bunch rot through leaf removal and canopy management. Character and balance in the grapes are enhanced by improved sunlight and air penetration.
- Uses composted grape pomace, a natural grape by-product, as well as fresh pomace to increase soil fertility.
- Plants cover crops and adds organic matter to naturally replenish the soil with nitrogen and increase diversity of flora and fauna while preventing erosion. Cover crops also support beneficial insects for pest management, reducing the need for non-natural measures. They help conserve water and soil, creating the basis for sustained production and fine-quality wine.
- Dedicates significant acreage to permanent cover crops or “no-till” areas.
- Increases density of plantings to reduce yield per vine, improving flavor concentration and yield per acre.
- Controls vine vigor and yield through crop thinning and shoot removal, intensifying flavors and aromas.