- Tuesday 09 February / 09h46 (Paris)
| Tuesday, September 02, 2008 | 09:54 |
Introducing Marchand & Burch: Burgundy Comes to Western Australia
A passion for Pinot Noir and great winemaking has brought together two respected men of the wine industry in a venture where the old world meets the new world in the pursuit of fine wine.
Jeff Burch, vigneron and owner of Western Australia’s Howard Park Wines, and Pascal Marchand, Burgundian winemaker and biodynamic ambassador have come together to craft a range of wines under the Marchand & Burch label that combine centuries of Burgundian winemaking experience and the best of West Australian fruit.
The grapes for Marchand & Burch have been sourced from specifically identified vineyard blocks in the Porongurup and Mount Barker region of Western Australia and the wine made with a minimal interventionist approach at Howard Park’s winemaking facility.
Incorporating biodynamic principles at every stage from the vineyard through to bottling, Jeff and Pascal have taken every step to craft a range of wines that best express the terroir from which the grapes have come.
Pascal started following biodynamics in 1988 during his time as regisseur at De La Vougeraie.
“You have to observe a lot. That is the main thing about biodynamics. It brings you closer to the forces of nature and helps you work with nature better, while not controlling or working against it.” says Pascal.
Through this inspiring project, Jeff has become a firm believer of adopting biodynamic practices in winemaking, which will see his Howard Park range of wines following suit in years to come.
“Once it’s gripped you (biodynamics), it’s an all encompassing passion. The science behind biodynamic practices is good common sense for the land and the quality of the wine…and through these practices we are starting to see some amazing results in our wines.” says Jeff.
Adopting horse-drawn ploughing, applying natural fertilisers, utilising the lunar calendar and integrating equipment such as open top fermenters, traditional basket presses and grape sorting tables has ensured that berry by berry, the highest quality fruit has made it into the Marchand & Burch wines.
One particular area of the vineyard property which stands to produce some extremely high quality fruit for future vintages of Marchand & Burch has been nicknamed “The Grandstand”. This property has high elevation and closely planted vines and has been a source of inspiration for the vineyard staff, requiring much attention to develop the soils by hand.
A passion for Pinot Noir was the driving force behind Marchand & Burch and according to Pascal, they have created a superb West Australian expression of Pinot Noir after a long time searching for the perfect terroir.
“My first experience as a winemaker was with Pinot Noir….and more than any other red grape variety, it will express the originality, the potential and the uniqueness of where it comes from.” he says.
The complete Marchand & Burch range currently includes a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a soon to be released Shiraz. In the future, Jeff and Pascal also aim to release a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Porongurups and a series of wines made from Burgundian fruit, a Gevrey Chambertin and a Clos de Beze from the 2007 vintage.
For more information on Marchand & Burch Wines, listen to the interview with Jeff and Pascal at www.marchandburchwines.com.au
Media Contact:
Jodi Eastman
Ph: +61 8 9423 1200
Email: m&b@marchandburchwines.com.au
Contact
| Name: Jodi Warburton |
| E-mail: jodi@hpw.com.au |
| Web: http://www.howardparkwines.com.au |
| Company: Howard Park Wines |
| Address: - |
| Country: AUSTRALIA |
| Phone: +61 8 9423 1200 |
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