"Hahndorf Hill's six-hectare vineyard is located at the edge of historic Hahndorf village and on the slopes of a gentle hill which, over a century ago, contained a slate quarry. It is very apparent when walking along the slopes of the vineyard blocks at Hahndorf Hill that slate forms a significant part of the mineral component of the soils.
Our vineyard topsoils consist of a sandy-loam and red-clay blend, richly embellished with blue-red slate, quartz and ironstone intrusions. The subsoils comprise deep red clay.
Austrian varieties
This abundance of diverse mineral components in the soil translates into a distinct mineral element in all our wines, which is especially beneficial for our Austrian varieties - Gruner Veltliner, Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt (with St. Laurent waiting in the wings).
In addition, the Adelaide Hills enjoys the unique combination of a low mean January temperature coupled with a significantly high diurnal variation. This diurnal variation is a significant quality defining factor according to producers of these varieties in their native Austria.
The Adelaide Hills' slow ripening, cool-climate environment allows for all our grapes to benefit from an extended ripening season with beautifully warm days and cold nights." - Hahndorf Hill
