Sleipnir is located in the most easterly region of the Danbury Ridge estate. Twelve acres are planted on loam soil with the ideal mix of London Clay and chalky till for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vine cultivation. This is a low-yielding site as the clay is reluctant to give up its reserves of water to the vines; whilst the location of Hyde Wood to the north provides ample shelter from coastal winds.
Named after the Norse god, Odin’s eight-legged horse the Sleipnir vineyard is slightly larger than the Octagon. This is the coolest of the three blocks by day but, conversely, the warmest by night.
The soil here is a mix of loam and calcareous clay. Having bulldozed its way across East Anglia’s chalkland, the melting ice sheet terminated and deposited its load erratically. The exhausted marl pits just to the east of Sleipnir were once a source of carbonate-rich clay, and both red and white wines benefit from the freshness and mineral qualities that have long been associated with this soil type.
Planted: 2017
Acreage: 12.67 (5 hectares)
Varieties: 52% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, 11% Pinot Meunier
Trellis system: Single guyot VSP