Black Mountain Vineyard
WINEMAKER
Mark & Laura Smith
TYPE OF AGRICULTURE
Organic
VINEYARD
3 hectares
COUNTRY, REGION, SUBREGION
Nestled down a Herefordshire country lane, in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountain Vineyard is an unexpected find. But this three-hectare labour of love - planted by Mark & Laura Smith in 2009- has been an evolution.
There’s no rulebook for planting vines here, and Mark soon realised classic English sparkling varieties were not best suited to the area, and began re-planting with better matched hybrids.
Whilst agriculture was initially conventional (though no spraying of herbicides and insecticides) a road trip through France visiting organic & biodynamic vineyards was the push Mark required to begin organic conversion in early 2018. Conversion was certified through the soil association and Mark ceased any additions in the winery.
With two organic harvests under their belt, Mark & Laura have been experimenting with the use of essential oils and whey as alternatives to eliminate the need for copper or sulphur sprays in the vineyard. With tasks in the cellar like riddling & disgorging undertaken by hand, production is tiny and quantities are extremely limited.
We’re very excited to see how Mark & Laura continue to develop their process, and look forward to sharing their new releases with you next year!
FOR ANY UK WHOLESALE AND STOCK ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT HELLO@WINESUTB.COM
WINES
Their first organic foray; a blend of skin-contact Siegerrebe with Pinot Noir & Meunier.
A cloudy amber-coloured evocation of stone fruits & elderflowers with a fresh acidity.