OVIS is a collection of premium small-lot wines from Shannon Ridge’s estate vineyards in Lake County. The 2016 selection consists of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Suggested retail pricing is $60.
OVIS (Latin for sheep) pays homage to the flock of sheep that help control the cover crops and weeds in the vineyards. The sheep and the dedicated Great Pyrenees guard dogs are the foundation of Shannon’s sustainable farming practices.
Under the protection of the dogs, Shannon’s flock of over 1,200 sheep pick their way through the vineyards, eating leaves, suckers, and excess foliage from the grapevines. As a result, they produce natural fertilizer, enriching the soil. By controlling weeds and cover crops the sheep also provide natural protection from wildfires.
“I believe these are the finest wines we’ve made,” says Clay Shannon, president/CEO of Shannon Family of Wines. “We sourced the fruit from our top single-vineyard blocks. It took us three years to find the best lots for this program.”