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Francis Ford Coppola acquires Silverwood
The Francis Ford Coppola winery has acquired the 13-acre Silverwood Vineyard in the Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA.
The deal took place earlier this month and is part of a “strategic shift in focus” that will see the winery likely acquire other specific blocks in the future.
“We’re proud to acquire the high-elevation Silverwood Vineyard,” said Steve Spadarotto, The Family Coppola’s CEO in a statement. “This is our first step in a strategic shift to focus on vineyard acquisitions, selecting parcels and vineyard blocks that reflect the county’s distinctive terroir and heritage.”
Part of a 100-acre plot overall, the 13 acre Silverwood Vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec and has been providing fruit for Francis Ford Coppola’s flagship wine, ‘Archimedes’, for years; a role it will continue to fulfil. The block has now been renamed ‘Archimedes Vineyard’.
Corey Beck, president and director of winemaking at the estate, said: “Since we’ve been sourcing Silverwood Vineyard fruit for Archimedes for years, Francis has decided to rename the lot Archimedes Vineyard, paying homage to his uncle for whom the wine is named.
“We also plan to plant about 30 acres as early as next year, all aligned within our sustainability model that we embrace.”
Silverwood – now Archimedes – was formerly the property of Barry and Jackie Hoffner, whose work on the vineyard is considered one of the pioneering efforts in the Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA, which was only recognised as an official viticultural area in 2011.
Bordering Alexander Valley in northern Sonoma, Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak is one of the highest AVAs in California, with vineyards positioned anywhere between 1,600 to 3,000 feet above sea level.
The Hoffners will continue to run their 1,100-acre ranch alongside their new neighbours.
Francis Ford Coppola is not the only major winemaker to have acquired land in Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, in 2013 Jackson Family Wines bought an 877-acre property in the area and identified close to 300 acres that should prove suitable for vineyard plantings.