Blackenbrook Vineyard

Quality wines start in the vineyard. It was with that clear vision that Daniel and Ursula Schwarzenbach moved to the top of the South Island in 1998 and searched for land for almost two years, before purchasing their 20ha block in Tasman on the scenic Coastal Highway.

The Grapes

The gentle north-facing slope, the Moutere clay soils and the mild maritime climate wereimmediately appealing. In the winter of 2000 they grafted their own vines to plant the first 4ha of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir in the following winter. Over the years they added Riesling, Gewürztraminer and the Italian red variety Montepulciano into the mix.

Multiple Clones

Clones are different species of the same variety, each showing uniqueness without masking the varietal character – a bit like children in a family. Each clone adds another “colour” or shade to a wine, increasing complexity.

Because Blackenbrook has been a grape nursery for many years, they had the luxury of picking and choosing clones. “We have eight different clones of Pinot Noir which are fruit-sampled, picked and vinified separately.” After maturing, the blending components are lined up and – relying on his palate – Daniel searches for the best combination with optimum balance and harmony.

Vineyard management

Healthy soil, strong vines and sustainability are the focus of their vineyard management. Daniel says close planting increases flavour concentration, particularly in Pinot Noir. “We have therefore chosen narrow plant spacings resulting in a plant density of up to 3800 vines per hectare.”
Blackenbrook uses vertical shoot positioning (VSP) and spur pruning. Aiming at maximum canopy height, they have placed the fruiting wire only 700mm above ground.

Daniel works hard to get the plants into balance. He encourages deep rooting by removing irrigation after the establishment phase. Trace elements are introduced through organic sea-weed fertilisers and weed sprays have been replaced by under-vine mowing. Daniel and his team carefully adjust the crop load according to soil and vigour of each individual block and reduce disease pressure through leaf removal around grape bunches. “Balanced vines will produce fruit that is chemically in balance facilitating all winemaking processes.”