Caduceus Southwest Wine Center Block, YCC
The Yavapai Community College Verde Valley Campus is located in the foothills of Mingus Mountain in Clarkdale. Here we have an acre of Negro Amaro that’s used as a training ground for future viticulturalists in the Verde Valley. YCC has created the Southwest Wine Center and currently offers courses in viticulture, enology and wine appreciation. Roughly 3400 feet, this site produced its first vintage in 2013.
Varietals & Clones
Acres under Vine
1
Elevation
3700'
Avg Yield Per Acre
1.91 tons
Geology
A northeast excursion from the Precambrian Mingus Mountain leads to the Yavapai College vineyard block where Negro Amaro was planted into the Alter Family soil series. The mixed alluvium, very gravelly in nature, is dated much younger than the mountain itself. Alluvial fans interspersed with river wash hold lenses of calcareous loamy soil nourishing the vines while roots extended deep into the well drained profile in search of water.
Main Challenges/Threats
Extreme summer heat, Monsoon rains from veraison through harvest.
Climate
| Precipitation | 12.8" |
|---|---|
| Temperature - Average Summer Highs | 98° |
| Temperature - Record High | 118° |
| Temperature - Average Winter Lows | 31° |
| Temperature - Record Low | 8° |
| Average Date of Bud Break | 3/14 |