THE ART OF SONOITA WINEMAKING

Our cultivated varietals

At Aqua Ciele e Terre, we take immense pride in the varietals we have chosen to cultivate, each selected for its ability to thrive in Sonoita’s unique high-altitude terroir. Our winemaking philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land, allowing our grapes to express their full character and complexity.

The Sonoita difference

What truly sets our varietals apart is the distinctive influence of our local ecosystem. The high-altitude environment, combined with our biodiverse landscape, imbues our grapes with a unique essence. This is a story of place, passion, and the perfect partnership between earth, water, and sky.

Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the world’s most renowned red wine varieties, a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc that occurred during the 1600s. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make full body wines with undertones of black cherry, black currant and oak. Our grapes grown next to lavender plants, give our grapes superb complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with umami flavors like Charred Burger, Mushroom Pizza and Steak.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the primary variety wines in Burgundy and a vital component of traditional Champagne. Our Chardonnay grapes make a wine full of floral, crispy, fruity with pear and peach undertones. Chardonnay pairs well with semi-soft Cheese, Squash, Asparagus, Salmon, Turkey and Chicken.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a red Burgundy cultivar with medium tannins and pigment. A great component of traditional Champagne. Our Pinot Noir grapes are exquisite when made into wine with vanilla and cherry undertones. Pinot Noir pairs well with Mushroom Risotto, Wild Mushrooms and Polenta, Duck Confit, Lobster and Goat Cheese.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc also known as Pouilly-Fumé is the grape related to Traminer with origins in the South of France, made popular in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. Our Sauvignon Blanc grapes create a wine with passion fruit and white peach undertones. Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with sautéd Green Veggies or mixed Vegetables, Lasagna, White Bean Casserole and Zucchini, White Meats, Chicken, Fish, Mussels, Crème Fraîche and Goat Cheese.

Terroir

AQUA CIELE ę TERRE

The high desert is usually dry yet the grasslands receive abundant rains during the late summer monsoon season making everything green and lush from July through September.

Our high altitude weather presents warm days, cool nights, and refreshing strong southwest winds reminiscent of a coastal area. The sky is immense with colorful clouds and stunning sunsets unlike any other on the planet. Winters range from mildly cool to light frosts.

Our soil is red – a combination of sand, clay, manganese and caliche. Soil tests compare to the Burgundy area in France.

We are a Vineyard Garden – we have under two acres planted with vine stocks intertwined with flowers and herbs.