Land, organics & biodynamics
Ancient clay soils overlying greywacke parent rock are significantly different from the loess soils occurring in the lower areas. The elevation, rolling hillside and orientation of the vineyard blocks which were established on undisturbed soils also contribute to the unique terroir of this site.
The Wrekin committed to organic viticulture from 2012 biodynamic practices from 2018. In 2019 we achieved organic certification with Biogro #5732.
Vines
First planted in 2002, our vineyard includes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc grapes.
Initial plantings comprised Dijon clones 777, 667, 115 and 114. The second plantings included Abel, 10/5, UCD clone 5 and UCD clone 6. More recently we added Entav clones 943 and 828 which have contributed to vintages 2017 onwards.
To achieve balance between canopy and fruit we focused on matching vigour of soils and plants resulting in a vine density of approximately 3200 stems per hectare. Irrigation has been limited to intermittent applications (say fortnightly) for 12-18 hour periods. Depending on the season we have been able to dry farm significant areas of the vineyard. Yields differ from clone to clone, aspect to aspect and season to season. The yield average over all varieties is 5.9 tonnes per hectare.
Our hand-picked harvest is spread over 3-4 weeks dictated by clone and fruit development on different aspects
Pinot Noir
Planted 2002.
Since 2007 we have produced a Wrekin pinot, the purpose being to learn about the vineyard by retaining a modest amount of an estate wine from each vintage. We have progressed this theme over the years as we see our wines expressing the subtle influence of terroir, vine age and organic/biodynamic viticulture.
2014 was the first Needle’s eye* vintage – a pinot intended as a true representation of our terroir and combining all 8 pinot noir clones (since 2017, 10 clones) grown on the different contours and aspects of the vineyard. The wine has many layers and complexity.
In 2023 we produced our 10th consecutive “Needle’s eye” which we will cellar as we have all preceding vintages. The 2020 and 2022 vintages presented an opportunity to combine fine tannins and elegance in a reserve wine known as the “Red Admiral” to be released in future years.
*The name is taken from a rock cleft on The Wrekin, a historic hill and landmark in England’s Shropshire.
Chardonnay
Planted 2009.
The 2020 Olive Grove is the first Chardonnay produced under The Wrekin Vineyard label. Olive trees border the two chardonnay blocks north and west respectively.
The fruit from the two zones have distinctive ripening and acid balance profiles. The Olive Grove chardonnay is produced from the west facing contours.
Chenin Blanc
Planted 2008.
The Chenin Blanc vines are located on hillside overlooking the dam constructed as a rainfall catchment for irrigation as required. The slopes of this block have a variety of topsoil profiles and aspects. The vines were first pruned by our daughter,
Libby.
Libby’s Block Chenin Blanc 2019 is the first release of this noble variety from the Loire Valley. The wine is dry but with a firm fruity brightness.
People
Jan, Andrew and their family (David, Libby & Anna) moved south in 1998 and began planting Pinot Noir in 2002, on the north facing slopes of their foothills. Under the guidance of Jeremy Hyland and Hätsch Kalberer our 20 year old vines are now producing award winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
The farm is more than the wine. Year after year, Jan finds a team of farm hands who, under Jeremy’s guidance, work together like a family to steward the land and fruit and really make the The Wrekin Vineyard a unique part of the world.
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Andrew Johns
OwnerLeaving a career in law, Andrew originally purchased The Wrekin as a sheep and beef farm, though shortly followed his instinct to plant the first vines within a few years of arriving.
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Jan Johns
OwnerJan traded in her Physiotherapy career to help turn the conventional vineyard into an organic and biodynamic ecosystem.
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Jeremy Hyland
VigneronJeremy Hyland has been guiding the vineyard since planting the first grapes, joining us as vigneron in 2017.
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Hätsch Kalberer
WinemakerHätsch has made Wrekin wines since 2018 expressing terroir with minimal intervention.
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Margaux Demalle
Assistant VigneronOriginally from Brittany in France, Margaux brings curiosity and skill in vineyard management and winemaking
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Autumn Lawler
Trainee VigneronA Marlborough local, Autumn knows her way around all aspects of the vineyard and balances out our regular influx of French pickers.
