Current Issue 09.10
OUR HOTTEST ISSUE EVER!
We heat things up by taking a look at what makes peppers so hot, how to measure that heat, and how that fire makes you "high." We take a look at 8 peppers that can scorch the tongue, and check out our chefs weighing in on their favorite hot sauces. Read More
Clay Mauritson's LOAM
Positas
"Tumbled through the ages by creeks and rivers, Positas is a gravely Loam soil formed in alluvial material. Primarily located between 200-1000 feet in elevation, Positas soils are found on stream terraces and side slopes, commonly referred to as benchland, home to some of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon. Positas soils are nutrient rich, moderately deep, and yet, well drained. Cabernet thrives in the environment provided by Positas soils, yielding fruit with thick skins, broad tannins, and rich characteristics. With a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0, Positas soils are slightly acidic."
Suther
"Weathered from metamorphic rock, Suther is a gravelly Loam found on the side slopes of mountains underlain by sandstone and shale. Primarily located between 500-3000 feet in elevation, Suther soils are only found in the geographic locations associated with great Cabernet Sauvignon. The granular structure and shallow nature of Suther soils provide little water retention and minimal biologic activity, while increased sun and wind exposures ensure low vigor, small berry formation, and uniformity in ripeness. Suther soils tend to nutrient deficient, lacking in nitrogen, phosphorus, and boron. The reddish nature is indicative of oxidized soils that are high in iron content. With a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.0, Suther soils are moderately acidic."
Clough
"Clough series are moderately well to somewhat poorly drained, very slowly permeable soils that occur on old terraces formed in gravelly alluvium that is high in quartz and cherts derived mostly from conglomerates and other sedimentary rocks. Slopes are gently undulating. Mean annual rainfall is 30 to 40 inches and mean annual temperature is about 60 degrees F."