South Africa
|
Hemel-en-Aarde
Our Story
After 12 vintages in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley working specifically with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Hannes Storm discovered two tiny parcels of land with particularly exceptional terroirs. The two vineyards, one in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and the other in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, were planted in 2008 to Pinot Noir. Storm’s maiden vintage was launched in 2012 and, after spending 18 months in bottle, the wines were released in August of 2014.
Today Hannes and Nathalia Storm are a husband and wife team that handcrafts their site specific Pinot Noir and Chardonnays from three appellations in the Hemel-en-Aarde (translates to “Heaven and Earth” in Afrikaans): Vrede Pinot Noir and Vrede Chardonnay come from low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld (‘Buck Veld’) shale soil in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Their Ignis Pinot Noir hails from decomposed granite soil in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and their Ridge Pinot Noir and Ridge Chardonnay are also grown in low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Storm Wines is the only producer with Pinot Noirs from each of the three appellations in the Hemel-en-Aarde.
The Hemel-en-Aarde is nestled behind the quaint fishing village and popular holiday town of Hermanus, 120 km from Cape Town. The appellation spans 450 ha of vineyards and considered an exceptional cool-climate winegrowing region, influenced by the cool Atlantic Ocean. The prevailing summer wind, the Southeaster, is a moderating influence, as is the Benguela Current, which flows up from Antarctica. A higher rainfall average than the rest of the Cape’s wine regions makes a significant difference in drought years.
Storm Wines strives to steer the purest characteristics of each vineyard site towards bottle and cork. Small production, careful viticulture, minimal intervention in the cellar and a constant nod to the “Old-World” result in wines with distinctive personality and character.
Wines
Ignis Pinot Noir
Storm Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Ignis Pinot Noir comes from a northern slope in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The vineyard, organically farmed, features a surface of round pebbles over decomposed granite. The name "Ignis," Latin for "fire," reflects the granite's igneous origins. With enticing aromas of watermelon and wild strawberry, this wine also features a hint of granitic grip, spicy oak, and a refreshing finish.
Ridge Chardonnay
Storm Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Planted on a cool climate slope on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge in old Bokkeveld shale soil that is rich in clay. Basket pressed and native yeast fermented, this Chardonnay spent 8 months in older French oak. Age worthy. Nectarine, citrus, refreshing.
Ridge Pinot Noir
Storm Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Planted on the same site as Ridge Chardonnay. This Pinot is also naturally fermented and aged about 11 months in older French oak, tight grained. The Ridge wines epitomize Hannes and Nathalia's philosophy - site specific wines with personality and character, achieved only through careful viticulture and a natural approach to winemaking. Dark cherry, graphite, spicy.
Vrede Chardonnay
Storm Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Vrede Chardonnay, also known as Peace Chardonnay, comes from a northeast-facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, featuring low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. The 2020 vintage of Storm Vrede Chardonnay is viscous with flavors of citrus, lime, lemon, and white pear. It has undertones of ginger, spice, subtle wood, and a fresh, zesty minerality.
Vrede Pinot Noir
Storm Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
The Vrede vineyard is a steep, north-facing slope in Hemel-en-Aarde. Very low vigor and planted on Bokkeveld shale soils. 11 months in 228 liter older French oak. Strawberry, violets, fine tannins.
