Karridale presents a unique viticultural tapestry that distinguishes it from the broader Margaret River region. This sub-region benefits immensely from the maritime influence as Claudia Gant notes, “Karridale’s proximity to the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean results in a more consistent cloud bank overhead… which manifests itself in wines of great freshness and purity.”
“Karridale’s proximity to the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean results in a more consistent cloud bank overhead... which manifests itself in wines of great freshness and purity.”
A vast majority of 467 Twenty Four Road is planted to white varieties: chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, arneis, and alvarinho. With red varieties cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and touriga nacional currently making up 14% of plantings. The cooler conditions lead to a lower pH (higher acid) in the wines, a factor that Claudia emphasizes as pivotal for low intervention winemaking. “Whilst we see great purity and energy in our wines, other producers love to use our fruit to intensify the flavours of their blends. 10% Karridale goes a long way in a blend. Karridale is the cordial of Margaret River!”
Gant highlights their philosophy of growing wines in the vineyard, “We have clearly seen that our improvements in soil/vine health, combined with our change from spur pruning to cane pruning, and leaf plucking both sides of the canopy, has not only led to improved balance and less variability in the vineyard, but the onset of early flavour and more vibrancy in the fruit,” says Gant. ”All of which in turn has allowed us to pick earlier, which is also a distinct advantage in a marginal climate. Early picking has resulted in wines of greater purity and energy.”
Gant recounts the genesis for the overhaul in vineyard architecture, “I remember when we converted our first block (Block 12) from spur to cane pruning, and that growing season we’d just finished the final lift and I was admiring our work, and thought to myself, ‘that looks sexy’”, she says. “Compared to the spur pruned block next door (Block 11) it was clear to see the improved architecture. It was way more balanced with less clumping and a more even spread of fruit. It was then that I knew we had to convert the whole vineyard over. It’s been a nine-year mission that we completed this year, and has proved to be so worthwhile. We enjoy better, more even sets with consistent yields, and our fruit quality has improved as a direct result.”
“The vineyard approach allows us to pick earlier which not only shows the purity and energy of the site, but also allows us to produce wines with a light touch in the winery,” with thanks particularly to the high natural acidity of the grapes, enabling a ‘natural’ philosophy in the winery. “Our whole vineyard approach defines the Gant & Co style – vibrant, textured wines that show the purity and energy of this site.”
At the heart of Gant’s viticulture philosophy is a commitment to regenerative agriculture, which includes developing almost a fifth of the land as native bush to enhance biodiversity. The vineyard fosters a permanent self-seeding cover crop, including clover and rye, to enrich the soil. This verdant undergrowth is slashed in late spring, creating a natural mulch that retains moisture and suppresses weeds. The introduction of 400 sheep grazing from winter through early spring further integrates animal husbandry into vineyard management, recycling nutrients back into the earth and promoting soil health.
“Whilst we see great purity and energy in our wines, other producers love to use our fruit to intensify the flavours of their blends. 10% Karridale goes a long way in a blend. Karridale is the cordial of Margaret River!”
“The management of the property as a whole is really important to us,” says Gant. “Only 30% of property, 24.5ha out of 82ha, is under vine. We have embarked on a biodiversity maintenance action plan to look after our 7ha of remnant bush, plus we’re revegetating a further 8ha and returning it to bush.”
Gant has embarked on a series of trials to test new clones and varieties, further diversifying the vineyard’s portfolio. A standout example is the introduction of alvarinho in 2020 – a variety originating in the damp, coastal vineyards in Spain’s Galicia region (where it’s known as ‘albariño’) – which is renowned for its resilience and suitability to cooler climates.
While the exploration of new Dijon clones of chardonnay in earlier years revealed nuanced characteristics – from the floral notes of clone 76 to the green apple crispness of 277. These discoveries have not only enriched the complexity and depth of the vineyard’s flagship wines but also provided valuable insights into clone-specific adaptability and performance. Likewise, new cabernet clones have been grafted too.
Claudia Gant’s philosophy towards viticulture at 467 Twenty Four Road vineyard is deeply influenced by her intrinsic connection to the land – a bond fortified by years of tending to the vines her father, Graham Lloyd, first planted. Her approach is characterized by a profound respect for the natural environment, a dedication to sustainable practices, and an innovative spirit.
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