The concept of ‘terroir’ is one that is more closely associated with Old World wines than those of the New World but ‘terroir’ is the best way to describe the combination of elements that creates the distinctive flavour profiles of Heggies Vineyard wines.
At 550 metres above sea level, Heggies is one of Australia’s highest altitude vineyards and also one of its coolest. The close-planted clonally-selected grafted vines are grown in semi-drought conditions, meaning the soil is lean and hungry – a thin layer of grey sandy loam over clay and decomposed rock. The vines compete vigorously for moisture and nutrient, encouraging roots to dig deep into the soil where it is moist and cool throughout all seasons.
For such a unique vineyard – standard vineyard management at Heggies is impossible. Each grape variety has its own programme of care according to its position in the vineyard. Trellising and canopy structure is varied from vine to vine, as are pruning regimes and row spacings. Working with the natural advantage rather than against it is the driving force in working the vineyard and every factor is taken into consideration, including the micro-climates within the vineyard, aspect and soil type.
The magnificent sweep of country that is now the Heggies Vineyard had been grazing land for most of its settled history and was owned by local grazier and bushman, Colin Heggie, before being purchased by Wyndham Hill Smith, then Manager of the Yalumba Wine Company.
Friends since school days, Colin and Wyndham’s friendship continued into adulthood and throughout their lengthy negotiation over the purchase of Heggie’s land – a negotiation that was, it has been suggested, not a lot more than an excuse for relaxed chats about land, cattle, horses, wine and life!
Planting began in 1971 on the tough North Eastern corner of the property and the first wine was released in 1979. It was the first wine to bear the idiosyncratic label that features a drawing of Colin Heggie, the bushman, looking out over the fledgling Heggies plantings astride his faithful chestnut, Jack.
