Literally meaning Soil in French, terroir has many more implications.
It is the microclimate of each vineyard. The surrounding weather patterns. The biodiversity of the land and its plants, insects and animals. The bodies of water.
The geography of its mountains, slopes and valleys. It is even the intentions from the hands of the winegrowers that contribute to the unique aspects of a place which influence and shape the wine made from it. Terroir is a 'sense of place' embodied in all these qualities.
The Earth is a living, breathing entity.
Our forests and rivers are the lungs and veins of our planet, that help the Earth live and breathe, supporting many diverse life forms. All life forms have their own intrinsic value, and need to be respected for the functions that they perform - even if we don’t see them as useful to our needs.
Recognizing Earth as the source of all life is recognizing that mankind is part of Earth, not apart from it.
Harmony with nature gives us balance in taste.
Our senses let us know that we live and are present now. The taste of wine ignites our senses.
On one level - the balance of sweet, sour, astringent, textural. On another level our sense of place and context as beings.
Puneet Dhall completed the Certificate in Wine making and Grape Growing at E.I.T.
He then worked as a Cellar hand at Sacred Hill. Following this he spent several Years as a Merchant in London working at ‘Fine and Rare Wines’. Puneet's Knowledge and Passion extend from sunlight through to wine, he is well versed in all aspects of both grape and wine production and wine appreciation.
Katherine has worked as an actress on screen and stage since 1996. In the last few years her passion for wine and sustainable organics has taken on a more active interest.
From 2007 to 2009 Katherine worked in a number of roles at Westbrook winery in Kumeu. She has a certificate in permaculture, Bob Campbell’s French wine masterclass and the Wine Academy of Glengarry. To this end Katherine has been involved in every aspect of the wine industry from sunlight to wine.
Brandon Nash graduated from the Eastern Institute of Technology in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand with a degree in Viticulture and Winemaking.
He then worked at the prestigious Craggy Range vineyards, in all aspects of the business and production of Winegrowing. Brandon is now studying for his Master of Wine.
He is Co-Owner of Dhall & Nash Fine Wines, a distribution company which was established in 2007 in New Zealand, which specialises in supplying Fine and Rare wines from around the world.