Find Wines by Brand
Find Wines by Region
Carpe Diem, Firepeak Vineyards
Pinot Noir & Chardonnay from Firepeak Vineyards
The eight mile long Edna Valley, near San Luis Obispo, California, is known for its distinctive topography and climate. It was designated as an American Viticultural Area in 1982. With frequent fog and a mild climate, the region has one of the longest growing seasons in California. While the inland areas heat up during the day, the summer fog and afternoon ocean winds act as a natural cooling system keeping the valley’s temperatures far below the averages found in some of the more inland growing regions of the Central Coast. These climatic conditions are ideal for growing concentrated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Firepeak Vineyard is located about four miles from the Pacific Ocean and lies at the foot of an inactive volcanic peak. The soil composition is comprised of marine sediment, clay and volcanic deposits which work to stress the vines and cause deeper roots. The combination of the diverse terroir and a strong coastal influence that produce intense, concentrated, estate grown fruit. Planted in 1995, the vineyard uses a total of seven different Pinot Noir clones from the Pommard and Dijon regions. These clones are chosen for the smaller bunches of fruit that generally ripen faster with more intensity in the fruit.
Carpe Diem wines are based on the elegant and refined Burgundy winemaking style which reflects the uniqueness of their soil and varietal characters. Vine stressing is utilized to force the vines to grow deeper into the earth where the vines begins to inherit the “earthy” characteristics so well known in a great French Burgundy. Small open top fermentors are used, with each clone kept separately until the final blend. The percentages of new oak used in the treatment of the wine are conservative using less than 50% to allow for the varetial characteristics to be the main focus.