Wednesday, January 10, 2007

THE VINEYARD

All work is carried out by Peter Steers, manager,with the hands on approach.
The steep terraced slope, comprising of limestone, Rock and gravel, faces north and catches the hot sun for Ten hours a day during January, February, March and April. During these months the Temperature is at 26-28 degrees Celsius, making this sheltered terraced vineyard a sun trap, but still cool enough to give a slow consistent process of ripening. This then builds the aromas and taste into the grapes, adding to the wines complexity.
  • The vineyard is on a five-acre bloc consisting of two-meter wide rows with one meter plantings. There are 3700 vines at present, 2500 Syrah and 1200 Merlot.
  • August 2007 will see the planting of 2500 more Syrah and more in 2008.
  • Although the vineyard was established in 2000, it still has to reach its full potential. The soil is high in Lime, which creates problems with the pH, and needs constantly replenishing with Magnesium.
  • There are many pine trees surrounding the site, which causes Blistermite transference into the vine leaves. Trees cause bird problems during February-March-April as the berries are ripening.
  • There are 5 Bird kites and 4 scarecrows, as bird scares, as well as shot gun use.
  • Because each row sits high on a slope, the vines can only be maintained by hand. A Quad bike is used to pull a spray unit.
  • There is Irrigation, but watering has not been required as yet, the natural springs in the hill are the only water supply.

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