A vine that never sleeps
In cold climates a vine drops its leaves in autumn and waits for spring. On our hill the temperature rarely drops below 17 degrees, so left alone a vine would grow, flower and fruit in a tangle all year round, with ripe and green bunches on the same plant.
The answer, used in tropical vineyards on several continents, is to decide the seasons for the vine. Each pruning is a reset button. Cut back to two buds in October and the vine will flower in December and ripen in February.
Why February and August
February is the heart of the harmattan: dry, dusty and cool at night. Ripening in dry weather means healthy fruit, little rot and concentrated flavour. This is our main vintage and makes every reserve wine.
August brings the short break in the rains that farmers across the South East know well. It is a gamble. Some years the break is two clear weeks and the fruit is lovely; some years it rains anyway and we drop most of the crop to protect the vine.
What it means in the glass
February wines are deeper and more structured. August wines are lighter and fresher, and most go into Plateau Red and the Grape Press.
Twice the harvests does not mean twice the wine. Each vine gives about the same total fruit a year as a vine in a cold climate; we simply take it in two portions.
Seeing it for yourself
The harvest morning tour runs in both seasons. You will pick with our team at dawn, sort fruit at the table and have breakfast in the press house as the first crush begins.
