Ancre Hill Estates

is a Welsh winery located in Monmouthshire, renowned for its commitment to biodynamic and organic viticulture, a philosophy that has guided its operations since 2009. The estate's 12-hectare vineyards are situated on south-facing slopes, with ancient mudstone and sandstone soils that are believed to impart unique character to the wines. The winery is Demeter certified, adhering to the strictest biodynamic production standards.

Winemaking and Viticulture

• Vineyard Management: The estate practices a holistic approach, viewing the vineyard as a complete ecosystem. They use biodynamic preparations, wild plant tisanes made on-site, and natural bio-stimulants. The use of insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides is completely avoided. A key practice involves hand-stirring preparations in rainwater and applying them according to the lunar calendar.

• Grapes: The primary grape varieties planted are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Albariño, with small plantings of Pinot Meunier and Triomphe.

• Harvest and Pressing: Grapes are hand-harvested, and rigorous canopy management is employed to maximize air flow and sun exposure. The bunches are exceptionally healthy, requiring no sorting by hand, which shortens the time from picking to pressing.

• Fermentation: All wines undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and bacteria, with no cultured yeasts added. The fermentation vessels include Austrian oak barrels, Burgundian concrete eggs, and stainless steel tanks.

• Aging: The wines benefit from a long élevage (maturation period) on their gross lees, which adds complexity and texture. Sparkling wines, in particular, spend a minimum of 12 months and often several years on lees, contributing to a natural structure.

• Bottling: The wines are generally bottled unfined and unfiltered, and with no or minimal added sulfites, aligning with a low-intervention philosophy. The winery also produces skin-contact wines (orange wines) with extended skin maceration.

Winery Facilities

The winery itself is an extension of their eco-friendly philosophy. It is a modern, purpose-built facility with walls constructed from straw bales and a living, green roof that helps regulate temperature and humidity. Waste water is treated by an extensive reed-bed filtration system, aiming for a near carbon-neutral operation.