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Vineyard
Planted in 2000, the Protero vineyard lies on a stony ridge to the east of the road between the historic towns of Gumeracha (Gum-er-aka) and Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. Every tiny aspect of the vineyard was researched, planned and designed. Weather patterns were studied, a comprehensive detailed soil report undertaken, and all aspects of topography of the land were scrutinised. From this, six varieties were planted under roughly 32 acres of land.
• Chardonnay
• Viognier
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Nebbiolo
Protero is a cool climate vineyard elevated between 390 and 450 metres above sea level.
Hand pruning and picking coupled with low yields (between 1 and never more than 3 tonne per acre, depending on the vintage) aid in achieving high quality fruit. The results achieve smaller berries with thicker skins leading to richly coloured and concentrated wine.
The unique soil profile across the vineyard is predominantly sandy loam, variant gradients of clay, weathering rock to bedrock. This bedrock lies about six foot beneath the surface forcing the vines' tap roots to work harder to penetrate the soil, increasing intensity of fruit flavours.
As of the 2006 vintage, Protero have focused on ultra-premium, single vineyard, single varietal wines. Protero offer a portfolio that highlights varietal characteristics and the ancient geology the vines grow on.
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