Co-owner, viticulturist and cellarmaster, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, South Africa.

Ensuring that Balance, Elegance, Distinction and Finesse are the hallmarks of every wine in the Creation range is his mission. How does Jean-Claude (JC) Martin achieve this? “First of all we have 450-million-year-old Bokkeveld shale and drained clay loam soils which combined with our cool climate create excellent winegrowing conditions,” says JC. During the annual growth period temperatures rarely exceed 30° C, while the cool night index throughout the year is 12° C lower than the midday temperature. Thanks to the soils, minimal irrigation (if any) is needed, which contributes to good mid-palate structure and fine texture in the wine. Thanks to the cool climate, the grapes ripen slowly, evenly and fully, resulting in attractive fruit flavours balanced by crisp acidity to add to the freshness of the wines.

In the early days at Le Landeron

In the early days at Le Landeron

When JC and his wife Carolyn first saw the virgin land in 2002 (Creation had never been planted to vineyards before) he was especially drawn by the prospect of growing quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Establishing his vines at 300 metres above sea level, some 9 km from the Atlantic Ocean, he had the foresight of planting only virus-free strains of the finest varietal clones. Today his 50 hectares of vine represent a mother block from which cuttings are taken to establish new vineyards throughout the South African Winelands, thus contributing to the vital need for grape security.

 

 

 

 

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