Pyramid Valley Vineyards
The home vineyard has been established according to rules that Mike grew to respect and inherently to trust during his time studying and working in Burgundy: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have been planted, on clay-limestone soils on scarp slopes, at a density of 10,000-12,000 vines per hectare. The vineyard has been biodynamically managed from inception.
Each block is planted to reflect a specific soil type hence the somewhat irregular looking blocks. In total there are only 2.2 hectares planted in 4 separate blocks. The differences in taste reflects the soil and climatic differences between each block, which is never more than 400 metres at most. Each block and variety is vinified separately but identically in a mixture of old oak and clay amphorae so the outside influences on the grape are minimised.
The blocks themselves were named by Claudia after the weed varieties predominant in each, which also reflect the different soil. The Angel Flower is a more exposed block, north facing that reflects a lightness, delicacy and an ethereal scent. The Lions Tooth with its golden dandelions and obvious lime rich soil shows a rich golden colour with a toasty sulphite nose. The Earth Smoke is a heavier clay, with a denser, wild, gamey outcome. The Field of Fire slopes away to an eastern aspect and into the heaviest clay and makes typically a green-hued delicate wine.
Pyramid Valley Vineyards are fully certified Bio dynamic. And so are their cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs , cats and vineyard family all of whom share in the journey of Bio dynamics and benefit from the gifts it gives.
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