In anticipation of the 2022 Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration taking place on Saturday, 29 January, here are some interesting facts that set the Creation Pinot portfolio apart.

Creation on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge is situated at the foot of the highest peak of Babylonstoren Mountain, which is 100 m higher than Table Mountain. The area has an elevation of 240 to 398 m above sea level – collectively the highest altitude vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde. Thanks to a unique and diverse blend of geology, soils, altitude, aspect and climate the Ridge is ideally suited to producing an exciting variety of Pinot Noir styles.

Here at Creation our Pinot Noir vineyards are planted on pure Bokkeveld derived clay and mineral-rich soils with a capacity to retain the perfect balance of water and nutrients. Plentiful sunlight ensures full phenolic ripeness while the proximity to the ocean and elevation above sea level contribute to achieving the desired natural acidity in the grapes.

Among the measures aimed at preserving soil biodiversity is the sowing of winter cover crops in alternate vineyard rows while natural grasses are maintained in the rows between. Additional sustainability practices include the composting of organic waste to be used as mulch as well as armies of wasps, ladybirds and owls to control pests.

Diverse aspects, ranging from south- to east-facing, as well as two different Dijon clones, 115 and 777, give rise to the creation of no less than four sought-after wines: our Creation (Estate) Pinot Noir, Creation Reserve Pinot Noir, Emma’s Pinot Noir and Creation Art of Pinot Noir.

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2022 Vintage Update

News from our industrious vineyard team is as follows:

With cooler weather conditions at the start of the growth season, the weather is currently warmer than usual. The commencement of harvest however, is still expected to be seven to ten days later than previous years. In the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards veraison is in full swing. Both Chardonnay and Syrah yields are higher than last year while the rest of the cultivars are on par. Canopy management and green harvesting are currently under way. In conclusion: if the weather holds we predict a very good season regarding both crop and quality.