Bell Hill, historically named from 1918 for its shape as viewed from the south, is an old lime quarry steeped in natural history becoming a vineyard from 1997. Planted by Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen, its history, vineyard roots, and future are derived from its lime origins in the Weka Pass, North Canterbury.
The 3.2 ha vineyard has adopted the Burgundian approach with high plant density of 9,090 to 18,181 vines/ha combining narrow row and plant spacing and low to the ground vines. Planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 1997 to 2022 in various stages, and organically certified.
Drawn to the chalky limestone soils and calcareous clays, Marcel and Sherwyn seek to reflect the expression of site and soil in their winegrowing, aiming for consistent quality, fruit concentration through low yields per vine, and expression of terroir – typically showing a vein of saline minerality, nervosity and tension, the mineral driven acidity giving length and focus to the fruit.
“I’m very happy to be part of this Chardonnay symposium and looking forward to sharing the space with our colleagues and attendees from soil to winegrowing to wine writing fields."
