Ok, ok, I am finally over my inability to meld with technology. My videos don't work or at least, I cannot get them uploaded in any respectable amount of time. For those of you at home, you'll have to be pleased by mere photos and dialogue that hopefully are not too banal.
Today (Friday, 5 March), I worked for a few hours in the vineyard pulling bunch weight samples, later heading to Wanaka, home of Rippon Vineyards. I met with Nick Mills after a brief walk around the village (I hesitate to call it a small city) and a moment to contemplate the mountains caressing the lake.
The theory on biodynamics varies greatly from spirit to spirit. Nick's was more on par with what I have formulated as the idea behind the concept. I mean no disrespect in my attempt to paraphrase Nick's biodynamic ideals, but really it comes down to making wine that reflects and more importantly respects the soil. We've all heard this song and dance a million-and-one times, however Nick succinctly stated how to best respect the soil by giving it what it needs, indigenously and sustainably, as a breeding ground for root goodies. His entire 15ha of vines, winery, future endeavours on the vineyard, compost, staff needs as well as animals' are all extremely well thought out: compost in the middle of the vineyard as this is at the heart of the matter, wine being a "cultural bi-product", gravity in relation to water and its use... I could go on and on but it really would be a futile attempt.
I left Wanaka in a whirlwind of thought. On the way home, I couldn't help but stop and test the self-timer on my camera. Maybe it was the biodynamic marc of Riesling.
