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"When we first saw the Atlas Peak appellation, we were overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape, the bright, clear atmosphere and the dramatic rocky outcroppings. We decided it was truly the place where heaven and earth came together, so we named our winery Astrale e Terra – Italian for 'the heavens and the earth.'" Lorrie Vanoli, Astrale e Terra |
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It would be redundant to say that the Atlas Peak appellation is truly unique. After all, each wine appellation is deemed unique when officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area. However, Atlas Peak does stand out from others in California wine country simply based on its lofty setting. This appellation is way, way up there! Roughly rectangular in shape, all 11,400 acres of the Atlas Peak appellation rise above sea level at elevations ranging from 760 to 2,663 feet. And interestingly, every member of the Atlas Peak Appellation Association meets the challenge of growing wine grapes higher than 1,250 feet; most grow at higher than 1,500 feet above sea level. Elevation, combined with the area's climate, soils and geography create some world class fruit -- and, outstanding wines. |
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