Kiltynane Estate – Artisan Wines

from Sky to Earth to Vine to Glass...

Winery respecting Biodynamic Viticultural practices and working towards a sustainable future. Our philosophy is to work with Nature rather than against her. The results speak for themselves in the wine.

Kate Kirkhope on Biodynamic Farming:-

I use biodynamic practices and preparations to help develop a self perpetuating sustainable ecosystem which requires minimum inputs and cost.

As a result of the achievements at the Tarrawarra property, I have set up and monitor a similar system at Swan Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula. This vineyard and olive grove borders a Ramsar wetland and is only 100m from the salt water overlooking Queenscliff. The improvement in the vines, olives and garden fruit trees has been exciting and rewarding to witness and enjoy.

Biodynamic preparations 500, manure concentrate, compost, manure teas and seaweed tea are broadcast by large nozzle, low pressure spray over a random coverage of about 50 litres per hectare with 150 grams of 500 sufficient for 2.5 hectares. This inoculates the soil with a high concentration of beneficial bacteria, micro organisms and microbia with the benefit of a descending lunar cycle. Timing should also be just before dark falls and approaching dew point.

I try to broadcast the soil preparations twice in autumn and twice in Spring at least. The atmospheric preparation 501 (crushed quartz) can be used to enhance photosynthesis in difficult seasons (2011 vintage perfect). The 501 also has the effect of balancing earthly (rootzone) and atmospheric (canopy) energies.

I also use seaweed teas on the canopy to utilize the tissue strengthening properties for the purpose of strengthing leaf and berry skins - also appears to improve tannin quality and balance.

Other benefits of biodynamic practices:-

Dramatic reduction in water requirement.

Better soil physiology.

Natural, balanced unlocking of nutrients to the plant.

Plants "self balance" in growth and vigour.

More efficient plants - less hang time required to achieve even and thorough ripeness, less canopy required.

Enhanced sensory characteristics of the fruit.

In addition to biodynamic practices I also advocate an annual program of revegation in native grasses, lower and middle story vegetation to enhance populations of beneficial insects.

Using this program, convential soft fungicides (copper and sulphur) can be used sparingly with little detriment. Pesticides are no longer necessary, herbicides can be avoided with the introduction of sheep or undervine management.

A Biodynamically enhanced system can greatly enhance the productivity of your farming project. As demonstrated on the Swan Bay site it also extremely cost effective. I am happy to help with setting up your system and follow up if and as required for minimal cost. It is simple and cost effective - I just arrange the necessary equipment for you and help you get your program up and running with any necessary staff training, equipment modificaiton etc. Email us: info@kiltynane.com.au if we can help.

Site Viticulture and Harvest:
At the Tarrawarra vineyard, the vines are close planted at 1m with 2m row spacing and VSP trellised unilaterally on one cordon only, to a length of approx. 80cm. Most clones are cane pruned with some spur pruned where required for balance. Each vine is fruit thinned to 6—12 bunches later in the season. All pruning and picking is done by hand. The clones currently used are 114, 115, MV6, D5V12, G5V15, G8V7 and D4V2. Using clones is like a choir with seven members of the one family in it - although from the same family, each member has a different voice which adds to the layers and textures of the song - instead of the monotony of one voice.

See the Wines page for details Tasting Notes and more site information as it relates to harvest and wine characteristics.