Vineyards
Hemelrand it is situated on the cold and windy Hemel & Aarde Ridge at 360 meters above sea level, on gravelly clay, and Sandstone. The vineyard was planted in 2010 to Chardonnay, Roussanne, Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, and Muscat Blanc a petit grain. However, as mentioned, the proportions of the different grapes produced significantly varies each vintage. Viticulturally speaking, this is a marginal site, the upside of which is slow ripening with high natural acidity.
Technical Details
Varieties:
Roussanne 36%; Chardonnay 27%; Chenin Blanc 23%; Verdelho 11%; Muscat Blanc 3%
Roussanne 36%; Chardonnay 27%; Chenin Blanc 23%; Verdelho 11%; Muscat Blanc 3%
| Wine of origin | Hemel & Aarde Ridge (Estate Wine) |
|---|---|
| Bottling | May 12 2026 |
| Alcohol | 14% |
|---|---|
| RS | 2.3g/l |
| TA | 6.55g/l |
| PH | 3.3 |
Vine Garden aptly describes both the attention to detail in small scale viticulture on Hemelrand as well as the handful of grape varieties represented in the vineyard.
Winemaking and Maturation
The grapes were picked early in the morning, sorting in the vineyard, and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled (we like very cloudy raw juice) with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation took place in old barrels of various sizes. Fermentation lasted for about two months. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.
Tasting Notes
Bright, exotic nose. Powerful and heady. Notes of stone fruit and rind, some sweet oatmeal. Very complex. Maybe some quince? The palate is “feeling very Olympic today.” Surging acidity, full bodied. Finish is long and pointed, sweet/sour snap. Probably the best Vine Garden to date, and the last vintage farmed by Hans.
