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Doolhof valley offers unique and varied terroir given the microclimates, growing conditions and soil types.
Soil compositions on Doolhof are rated highly and have greater potential for viticulture than many other farms.
Doolhof Wine Estate lies north east of Wellington and to the east and south of Groenberg, a mountain of the Malmesbury Shale formation. The soils in the Doolhof valley are finer, more balanced and deeper than in the surrounding countryside with clay content evenly distributed. The shale soils lie on top of a bed of mudrock. Roots are able to descend to four metres or beyond. This forms an excellent source of sedimentary mineral rich soil for vine nutrition.
While Doolhof has more than adequate irrigation, natural water retention is very good, without any sign of permanent wetness. While the shape and exposure (topography) of the various parts of the Doolhof Estate allow for several distinct microclimates, generally, Doolhof experiences cooler winters and moderate summers compared with the Wellington norm.
Late sunrise and early sunset results in less direct sunlight. This gives the Doolhof grapes a longer ripening process, enhancing the elegance of its wines. In fact, the sun/wind balance ensures disease is all but absent in the vineyards.
Night harvesting and hand picking are the norm, and the mysterious Doolhof dew caressing the grapes gives them a certain “je ne sais quoi” - the final touch. |
