Temperature Amplitude
We've all seen the "warm days and cool nights" commercials about fruit growing in the Grand Valley,
but why is it a good thing? During the day the plant makes sugars and flavors that are stored in the berries. At night,
the plant transpires using some of those reserves. The bigger the swing in temperatures, the cooler the night in relation to the day,
the plant is making more sugars and flavors than it is using at night. This results in more intensity of the grape
character that impact flavors, aromas and structure.
Sunlight
At higher altitude the UV intensity increases. The increase can improve the aroma profile of the grape, it also
increases the thickness of the skin. This increases the skin-tannins that are imparted to the wine, which are softer than the
seed tannins.
Soil
At higher altitude soils tend to have less organic matter and better drainage and generally be less fertile than
low altitude soils. This makes the plant struggle more to survive.
Precipitation
Growing in a desert, Palisade receives about 8" of rain a year, which has many benefits. We are able
to control the amount of water the plants get. This lets us stress the plants during the growing season, which intensifies
flavors. Also, before harvest it is critical that the plants don't get a big drink of water. A big rainstorm can
swell the berries with water and dilute the flavor of the wine. We just don't get rain in the amounts that can really
get to the roots of the plants, so we have more control over berry size at harvest.