The research highlighted huge variations of soils on our land. The parcels within the vineyard epitomise the typical old riverbed soils of Rapaura. These soils are characterised by silty, loamy and clayish components, the former “riverbanks”, while other parcels are stony and gravelly, representative of former “riverbeds”.

Based upon our research we established 24 different blocks within the estate, each one offering its own unique signature to the final wine. We treat each of the 24 parcels as a single vineyard in its own right. The variety, clone and rootstock is matched with the soil profile, as is the irrigation and canopy management.

We chose to plant the vineyard in rows 2.4metres apart and most vines are 1.8 metres apart. One block of Pinot Noir (clone 777) has an even narrower plant spacing of 1.4 metres.

MAPS