TERROIR
'Marlborough, one of the worlds most perfect wine regions'
In 1994, Hans discovered a sun-drenched parcel of land in Marlborough, renowned for its dry climate. Situated on the well-drained sandy, gravelly soils along the Wairau River, it reminded him of Bordeaux's Médoc region. These soils, perfect for late-ripening Cabernets, aligned perfectly with his vision to create a Bordeaux blend of global renown. The microclimate influenced by the river and diverse soil compositions make this one of Marlborough's warmest and most sought-after plots.
Exceptional sunshine hours, extended dry and mild autumns, and Hans' meticulous vineyard management with remarkably low yields enable late-ripening varieties to reach ideal physiological ripeness. Significant diurnal temperature variations, with nights often more than 10ºC cooler than sunny days, preserve the grapes' natural acidity and yield intense varietal character. These vibrant, succulent ripe fruit flavours not only establish this region as one of the world's finest but also provide Hans with all the essentials for pioneering new grape varieties.
SOIL COMPOSITION & MICROCLIMATE
Millions of years ago, our vineyard on the banks of the Wairau River was the riverbed itself. Minerals transported by the river from eroded catchment rocks formed exceptional, free-draining layers of stony alluvial soils. With deep layers of shingle and low clay content, these soils, similar to those in Bordeaux's Médoc region, retain and reflect the sun's heat. The variability in deposits allows precise matching of grape varieties with their ideal soil types. The free-draining, nutrient-poor soils foster concentrated flavours in the grapes, while the gravel's heat retention and light reflection aid ripening. These soils, with varying proportions of sand, clay, and stones, make for a unique terroir and accommodate both early and late-ripening grape varieties.
During the ripening period, the stones and gravel in the mostly dry riverbed soak up the sun’s heat, which the hot prevailing north-westerly wind directs onto our vineyard. This warms not only the grapes but also the stones, which slowly radiate heat onto the vines during the cool nights. This extra heat helps achieve perfect physiological ripeness, even for late-ripening grape varieties. In spring, higher water levels warm the air around the vineyard, naturally protecting it from frost. Our remarkable location and nearby geographical phenomena contribute to a unique microclimate perfect for growing grapes.
