Chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier
We chose clones of vines well suited to limestone and well draining soils. Clones were chosen based on low to medium yields, with quality and slow growth over a longer cooler season being the preference. Pictured here is Spring year 2, just prior to trellising showing the larger Southwest facing slope and smaller Southeast slope in the foreground. Pictured below is our trusty work horse Defender being busy at harvest time.
The chardonnay was planted on the Southeast facing slopes getting early morning sun, with the pinot noir in the heart of the vineyard and the pinot meunier on the cooler side. With our chardonnay we believe in the old Burgundy saying of 'an hour of morning sun (on Eastern slopes) is worth 2 in the afternoon'. Our pinot noir is our most noble grape and benefits from the best conditions in its location. Meunier tends to do better in cooler conditions as it flowers later, ripens faster and has higher sugars in general, which is why it is well suited to the Marne valley in Champagne.
We have employed where possible organic techniques to help nurture the early years of the vineyard, and pave the way for high quality low yielding organic wines at future harvest.
Looking West to the setting sun
The vineyard is located on the opposite side of the Teme Valley to the famous Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb. Here is a view looking West to the Hill Climb site in the far distance on a Summer evening during the vineyard's first year. If you are visiting the Hill Climb, then when sitting in the middle pavilion look East South East and you should be able to see the upper reaches on the vineyard and the regularly arranged symmetrical layout of vines rows and trellis.
We are careful to ensure good ground management to help limit late frost damage and minimise disease in the vineyard, which ultimately increases yield quality and reduces are need for chemicals.
Our 3 different varieties are the most noble of the 'champagne' grapes. Fruit and power come from the pinot noir, acidity and 'back bone' from the chardonnay and a gentle toasty flavour from the pinot meunier. Each variety flowers at different times around the Summer solstice, which helps to provide some insurance against heavy rain during flowering and subsequent fruit set. Having the 3 different varieties of relatively low yielding high quality clones provide excellent flexibility and options when it come to blending time and deciding whether we produce still or sparkling wines from each vintage.