AS we prepare to celebrate Pinot Noir Day on Friday, August 18, we ask: what are the secrets of a fine wine that captivates enthusiasts around the globe?
“I believe it begins with a commitment to sustainability and a deep understanding of the vineyard’s unique terroir,” says Creation Wines’ co-owner and winemaker Jean-Claude Martin (pictured below).
It has been 21 years since Creation’s Pinot Noir vines began their journey of innovation in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Walker Bay region, near the seaside town of Hermanus in the Western Cape, South Africa. The vineyards have matured over the past two decades and by nurturing the virus-free Pinot Noir vines and maintaining a healthy biome, the quality and expression of the wines have continued to evolve.
The proud coming of age of the estate’s Pinot Noir centres not only on the distinctive clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils which contribute to the wine’s structure and pH balance, but also on its unique location. The estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Ward is flanked by fynbos-clad mountains and enjoys a climate tempered by the cooling influence of the breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
The diurnal fluctuation in temperature with a long ripening window allows Creation to harvest its Pinot Noir at optimal ripeness while maintaining good acidity. The grapes are hand harvested early in the morning to retain freshness. Natural fermentation, with no filtration, fining or filtering consistently produces wines of exceptional quality and complexity.
Jean-Claude and co-owner Carolyn Martin have been instrumental in the estate’s success and the drive behind a decades long journey of innovation. Their dedication to preserving the region’s natural heritage, along with their emphasis on sustainable practices, has resulted in wines that authentically reflect the terroir. “Wine production is a natural process, and plant health is enormously important in the production of quality grapes,” says JC.
Carolyn understands the critical balance between terroir, location and the art of winemaking but highlights the need to respect nature in the process. “We work alongside scientists to understand nature better and release natural predators such as ladybirds and wasps to ensure the vines are healthy. Creation has become a source of virus-free material to sustain South African vineyards, and cuttings from our mother blocks are used to propagate clean material for the rest of the South African wine industry.”
The estate’s dedication to working alongside nature and showcasing the beauty of the region has been the driving force behind Creation’s success and current ranking as number four on the 2023 World’s Best Vineyards list.
Creation’s Pinot Noir portfolio is testament to the estate’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Four sought-after wines reflect the unwavering pursuit of quality: the Creation (Estate) Pinot Noir, the Creation Reserve Pinot Noir, Emma’s Pinot Noir, and the Creation Art of Pinot Noir. Each wine uniquely expresses the varietal, ranging from intensely fragrant and earthy to complex and elegantly spicy. These wines have garnered international acclaim and numerous prestigious awards.
Beyond the remarkable wines, Creation is also dedicated to providing a memorable guest experience that combines wine and wellness. Guests are invited to explore the estate’s indigenous gardens, immerse themselves in the natural biodiversity, and indulge in a wine and food pairing journey showcasing the estate’s commitment to sustainability. Menus are thoughtfully curated, incorporating fresh, local ingredients, and designed to be delicious and balanced, promoting a sense of well-being.
In addition to its focus on the land and the wines, Creation takes great pride in its people and community. The estate hires locally, invests in training and personal growth, and supports education and food security initiatives. The team’s passion and dedication are evident in the warm and caring service that guests experience during their visit. “Creation’s fine wine alchemy is a rare combination of art, science, our people, and a sense of place,” explains Carolyn.
“To commemorate the Pinot Noir 21-year milestone, Creation invites wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs to experience the magic of our exceptional Pinot Noir wines. With each sip, one can taste the passion, dedication, and sense of place. Working with nature is the very inspiration and innovation that is Creation.” Carolyn concludes.
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- In July 2023, Creation was listed fourth in the World’s Best Vineyard’s top 50, and number 1 in Africa. For more information, click here.
