Sharp Mountain Vineyards operates on the simple but
essential principle that to produce the finest wine, you must begin with
the finest fruit. This quest for perfection requires personal attention to
every detail, from employing tried-and-true “winegrowing” practices to
personally harvesting the best grapes and handcrafting the wines.
Ron and Jan Rathgeb began their labor of love in
earnest in 1995, planting Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Franc, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and Pinot Noir. In 2002, the Rathgebs
added Primitivo, Trebbiano, and Pinot Gris to the breezy hillsides of
their peaceful, 19 -acre Sharp Mountain estate.
At 1,600 feet, Sharp Mountain Vineyards is ideally
suited to its purpose. The rocky, alluvial soil is perfect for growing
these balanced vines, which thrive on 5 acres of well-drained slopes. The
west-facing site provides even, north-to-south exposure to nourishing
sunlight, and wider spacing of the plants maximizes air circulation. The
Rathgebs regularly remove leaves and thin the crops to maintain the health
of the plants and to produce the highest quality grapes. Although these
practices lower yield, they ultimately produce more intense and complex
wines.
From start to finish, Sharp Mountain Vineyards wines
are truly hand-crafted in the old-world fashion. At harvest-time, Ron and
Jan choose each grape with care and begin the wine making process
utilizing the highest-quality Italian-made equipment. After the destemming
and crushing process is completed, the grapes are hand punched twice a day
during maceration in stainless steel fermenters and then pressed gently in
a bladder press. Finally, bottles are filled under vacuum and corked with
an Italian floor corker.
The result is more than a wine: it is an experience.
