The vineyard comprises Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, and is certified organic and biodynamic.
The land is thin soil on chalk, south facing at approximately 90 meters above sea level. It sits in an open landscape with hedges, allowing a good flow of air to dry out the canopy and help keep disease at bay.
The health of the soil and ripeness of the grapes is paramount in allowing us to make wine in as natural a way as possible.
We want nature to prevail. We like to pre-empt any disease issues enabling us to use small quantities of natural products as treatments. There are sheep in the vineyard to keep the grass and weeds down and add fertility. The headlands are left unmown as a habitat for wildlife. The floor of the vineyard is made up of over 20 species of grasses, clover, legumes and herbs. These all interact in the soil each contributing to the growth of each other and the vines, creating a healthy living soil. They soak up the sunlight adding energy and life to the soil as well as capturing carbon.
We rely on a dedicated team of both professional and amateur pickers who we can call on at the last minute once the fruit is fully ripened.
We practise gentle pruning, avoiding large cuts to the vines which might lead to obstructing the flow of sap to the leaves and grapes.
As the canopy grows during the summer, we take off the lower leaves to expose the young bunches to sun and air, keeping them healthy and seeking out the sun’s rays to encourage ripeness. If we feel there are too many bunches for any vine to support to full ripeness we will cut off excess bunches thereby maximising nutrients to the remaining ones.
