De Wetshof Experiments with Vineyard of Clonal Diversity

Top image caption: Johann-de-Wet-in-the-experimental-Chardonnay-vineyard-on-De-Wetshof

Six Chardonnay clones, one vineyard. This clonal experiment on De Wetshof Estate in Robertson aims to ascertain the relationship between six Chardonnay different clones when the vines suddenly find themselves growing and producing grapes next to one another.

The new vines found on the four hectare site on De Wetshof comprise clones CY9, CY96, CY548, CY3, CY277 and CY76, planted in rows and in equal numbers.

“All six clones are currently present on De Wetshof where each one is dedicated to a specific vineyard or part of a vineyard,” says De Wetshof CEO and proprietor Johann de Wet and the man behind the experimental vineyard. “I have always been intrigued by the influence on clonal selection in wines and the refined differences they have in contributing to the product in the glass having a distinct personality.”

The aim of the experimental Chardonnay clonal vineyard, says De Wet, is to see how each vine representing a different clone reacts in a state of isolation when it finds itself among other clones.  De Wet says it was a difficult vineyard to plant, taking a lot of time and planning as each vine was planted by a person dedicated to that clone.

“The experimental vineyard is not even a year old, but over the next three to four years I hope to see some exciting things as the plants develop in this unique environment,” he says. “Each clone’s stress levels, for example, must surely differ among this population of foreigners. The effect on the growth cycle and bunch-sizes will be interesting. And what flavour profiles are we going to get in a wine made from a sizable vineyard comprising 12 000 vines representing six uniquely different clones?”

As so many Chardonnay experiments are concerned, De Wet got the idea from Burgundy and other regions in Europe where clonal selection was not known a century ago.

“Many of those famous vineyards are planted to a variety of different clones, the plant material simply sourced from a neighbour or friend. Over the decades, these plantings formed a symbiotic relationship with one another and the site of planting. This could be one of reasons those wines are so magical and unique, thanks to the role of the clone and it is this that I want to investigate,” says De Wet.

Currently the young vines are short and green, under irrigation with their roots firmly established in clay soils rich in limestone.

“The differences in plant character should arise from next year, with the first harvest planned for 2018,” says De Wet. “I have thought about this scenario for many years now, until I realised I’ll never get an answer if I don’t try.”