We talk a lot here at Hambledon about our unique chalk soil, and how amazing that is for growing grapes in a cool climate, and making our Award-Winning Sparkling Wines. But many do often wonder why we’re so evangelical about our location here in Hambledon- so we’re going to drill down into the specifics of why we’re so enthusiastic about our terroir.
Our Geographical Location
Our geographical location itself is at the heart of why we’re able to create such amazing wines here at Hambledon Wine Estate. Our home on the South Coast of the UK experiences a slightly warmer and drier climate than the rest of the UK: only slight, but enough to encourage the effective growth of grapes. With our particular spot, just 10 miles from the sea, benefits from the cooling effect of the coastline region on hot days, however is protected from the harshest of the sea winds by the Isle of Wight, just to the South.
Our Chalk Soils
Our ‘Hambledon Vineyard’ site is serendipitously located on the Paris basin- the same chalk basin that provides the foundations for the exceptional soils of the Côtes de Blancs in Champagne. Why is this so lucky? The intent of the vineyard, originally at least, was not to grow champagne grapes, or indeed to make sparkling wine- until reacquisition in 1999, Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones planted varieties like Seyval Blanc, to make still table wines. We just happened to be located in the right spot!
To be more specific, the Newhaven Chalk on which we are located is primarily composed of fine-grained calcium carbonate from the remains of tiny marine organisms. It contains fossils, particularly microfossils like Foraminifera and Coccolithophores, which settled on the sea floor and formed thick layers of sediment over millions of years. In our case particularly, there is a high presence of belemnite in the chalk.
But, why is Newhaven Chalk so good for winegrowing?
Drainage: The belemnite content of the chalk is a central factor in how the soil retains heat and moisture. In fact, it almost acts like a sponge- allowing excess rainwater to drain away (perfect in England), which prevents waterlogging that can damage vines. However, it also retains enough moisture within the soil to supply the vines during dry periods- vital in the rare hot, dry summers here- like 2022. This is crucial in regions where rainfall may vary significantly through the growing season.
Temperature Moderation: During the day, chalk absorbs and reflects heat, creating a more consistent, warmer environment for the grapevines. At night, chalky soils cool quickly, which helps prevent overheating. This reliable temperature regulation is essential for the development of sugar and acidity in wine grapes.
Root Penetration: Chalk is a relatively soft soil, which allows vine roots to penetrate more deeply into the soil, meaning improved access to water reserves, and a wider set of minerals. Many believe these minerals influence the characteristics of a wine.
Alkaline Soil: this creates a specific soil chemistry that stresses the vines slightly, which often results in grapes with more concentrated flavours, contributing to the depth and complexity desired in quality wine.
It’s fair to say that with a little bit of luck- and a lot of careful research and planning, we’ve got a truly special site here in Hambledon- where we’re able to make some truly special wines.
