Haan

Hans and Fransien Haan established their business in 1993 when they acquired a vineyard near Tanunda. The plantings are shiraz (5.3ha), merlot (3.4ha), cabernet sauvignon (3ha), viognier (2.4ha), cabernet franc (1ha) and malbec, petit verdot and semillon (0.4ha each). Oak undoubtedly plays a role in the shaping of the style of the Haan wines, but it is perfectly integrated, and the wines have the fruit weight to carry the oak.

The 19-hectare vineyard surrounding the Hanenhof Estate consists mainly of the sandy loam soils that dominate the Barossa Valley floor. These soils have proven excellent for producing some rich, luscious Shiraz and Cabernets, varieties that have made the Barossa famous the world over.

The Hanenhof Estate also grows some exceptional Merlot, together with a small amount of Malbec and Petit Verdot. In the white varieties Semillon and Viognier are also grown on the estate. All of these varieties have benefited from the excellent attention to detail of the Haan’s vineyard manager, Robert Seelander.

Most of the vines are on a simple vertical trellis system with moving wires to lift the foliage and expose the fruit to the sun for full development of flavour and character. The Haan philosophy is based on ‘best practice’ which means that the vineyard is run on a ‘minimal input’ system, offering considerable environmental protection. Chemical use is kept to an absolute minimum, as is irrigation and ground disturbance. This commitment to diligent natural resource management ensure that the vineyard has a long term sustainable future. Already this philosophy of providing the best possible conditions in the vineyard has been rewarded with some excellent wines from the property.