After 12 vintages in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hannes Storm discovered two small parcels of land with particularly exceptional terroirs, one in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and the other in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. These vineyards were planted in 2008 to the tiny red bunched grape variety that he loves dearly. Storm’s maiden vintage saw the light in 2012, but only in 2015 was able to dedicate 100% of his time to his own project.
Since 2012, Storm crafts Vrede Pinot Noir from low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Shale soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Ignis Pinot Noir (previously Moya’s) from decomposed Granite soils in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Two newcomers were added to the portfolio in 2015 - Vrede Chardonnay from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Ridge Pinot Noir from low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Shale soils in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Storm Wines is the only producer with Pinot Noirs from each of the three appellations in the Hemel-en-Aarde.
Storm Wines strives to steer the purest characteristics of each site towards bottle and cork. Small production, careful viticulture, minimal intervention in the cellar and a constant nod to the Old World present the wines with distinctive personality and character.
Storm Vrede Pinot Noir 2016
Vrede Pinot Noir hails from a steep, northeast facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils. This basket pressed, native yeast fermented wine displays richness and generosity with opulent, floral perfume with a structured palate from the clay soils.
Cultivar: 100% Pinot Noir
Storm Ignis Pinot Noir 2016
gnis Pinot Noir hails from a northern slope in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The vineyard is cluttered with round pebbles on the soil surface with underlying decomposed Granite. Latin for fire, Ignis makes reference to the igneous rock, Granite. This basket pressed, native yeast fermented wine shows great balance and length. The wine displays raspberry and wild strawberry notes with underlying subtle wood spice. A silky tannin structure compliments the primary fruit perfume.
Cultivar: 100% Pinot Noir
Storm Ridge Pinot Noir 2016
Ridge Pinot Noir hails from a cool, eastern slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld Shale soils. This basket pressed, native yeast fermented wine shows richness and generosity with black cherry and spicy undertones. Silky tannins compliment the voluptuous fruit perfume.
Cultivar: 100% Pinot Noir
Storm Vrede Chardonnay 2016
Vrede Chardonnay hails from a northeast facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils. This natural fermented, basket pressed wine shows great balance and length. Citrus, spice and pear aromas give way to a long and dry mineral finish. Not flashy or overly fruity, but with crisp fruit, good length and minerality – characteristic of the site’s low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils.
Cultivar: 100% Chardonnay