Somewhere in the middle of the most beautiful province of The Netherlands, more specifically on the island Schouwen-Duiveland, you can find the vineyard ‘De Kleine Schorre’. After passing by countless beaches, watery fields and the most cozy fishermans harbours, with even more cozy villages, the vineyard pops op on the horizon, with the beautiful aligned vines. I met up with Johan van de Velde, winemaker of the vineyard, who joyfully gave me a tour and shared me his story.
The vineyard was founded back in 2001 from a perspective of undeniable passion for wine and a drive to produce a high-quality wine year after year, that can be seen as the pride of the province of ‘Zeeland’. Since the opening in 2001 the company has grown a lot to a size of 12 ha and 45,000 vines. The used grape varieties are typical Vitis Vinifera varieties like Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois Blanc and Rivaner. Despite the fact that the vineyard is situated northern, the varieties thrive due to the high amounts of limestone in the soil and maximum sun exposure, so the grapes can fully ripe and yet keep the natural acidity. The climate of the island reduces the chance of frost during springtime and the wind from the sea reduces fungal diseases.
The result are wines that are known for the crisp freshness and mineral character. They are matched perfectly with local seafood like clams, oysters, crab, lobster, prawns and so on. The most remarkable wine must be the ‘Brut de Zelande’. Which is a unique sparkling wine from Zeeland. Gives every party and special occasion that extra touch! This wine is made according to the Methode Traditionelle (much like Champagne) and has a second fermentation in the bottle. The grape varieties used for this sparkling are Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois and Rivaner. A perfect match with oysters and any other types of shellfish.
Winemaker Johan has learnt his skills in Luxembourg, and from that time a cooperation with the vineyard from Luxembourg remains. This makes it possible to offer wines from the domain of Cep d’Or, like the Pinot Noir Barrique.
Formally the farm was mainly used to grow sprouts, potatoes and other local vegetables. The barn that was used as storage is now turned in to a tasting room and restaurant. I had the honor to taste two wines, specifacally the Rivaner and the Auxerrois. The Rivaner was very expressive with floral aroma’s and notes of exotic fruit and a fresh acidity. The Auxerrois gave notes of pear, green apple, melon and a lower acidity. In both wines the mineral character of the terroir was clearly present. I recommend tasting both wines!
Normally the vineyard, tasting room and restaurant is open for tours, wine tastings, lunch/diner and functions like weddings. For more information, please email proeflokaal@dekleineschorre.nl
The wine shop is still open from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 5.30 pm. Email info@dekleineschorre.nl for more info.
If you wanted to stay a bit longer at this wonderful vineyard or the beautiful surroundings of Zeeland, there is an opportunity to camp next to the vineyard! For all reservations, please visit http://www.campingdekleineschorre.nl.
This blog was a result of the collaboration with:
Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre
Zuiddijk 4
4315 PA Dreischor
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