Vineyard
Vineyard Dassemus is a 6 hectares estate with about 22,000 vines. The first hectare was planted in 2005 with the help of friends and family. The second hectare was planted in 2006. In the years after, we planted about 2,000 vines a year up to 16,000 plants. In 2020 we were able to buy a new plot and we have planted another 6.000 vines between 2021 and 2023. In 2024 we have bought another 2 hectares which we will be planting in the upcoming years.
The vineyard is certified organic (Skal) and since August 2021 Demeter (bio-dynamic) certified.
The vineyard is located in the hamlet of Dassemus and is named after it. It is very close to the village of Chaam, just south of the city of Breda . The vineyard is surrounded by a nature reserve.
Grape varieties
We currently have thirteen different grape varieties on the vineyard such as Solaris, Souvingnier Gris, Muscaris, Sauvignon Soyhieres, Sauvignac, Riesel and Johanniter (all white) and Rondo, Cabernet Cortis, Caberbet Cantor, Cabernet Jura, Baron and Monarch (red wine).
The varieties we have chosen have been especially developed for resistance to fungal disseases like mildew. The degree of resistance varies between the several varieties and have tried many other varieties such as Rondo, Cabertin, Pinotin and Cabernet blanc but we replaced them when it turned out that they were not resistant enough to grow without spraying.
Mildew (oidium and peronospera) and botrytis are a the biggest threats to grapes in the Netherlands because of the humid climate. Classic varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Riesling are not resistant to these fungi and therefore have to be sprayed often. An additional advantage of the new varieties is that they ripen a few weeks earlier than the classic varieties. By keeping the yield relatively low and the canopy large, we can harvest ripe grapes in the Netherlands.
In harmony with nature
We have chosen to manage the vineyard in harmony with nature. This means that no artificial fertilizer is used and no fungicides, pesticides or herbicides are used. We do not use copper or sulphur or anything else. In order to enrich the soil, special herbs are sown. Plants like clover and lupine contain nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacteria on their roots that fix atmospheric nitrogen in a form that plants can use. In addition, we sow a mix of herbs that contribute in various ways to a healthy soil and greater bio-diversity in the vineyard.
The rows are sown alternately with the herbs or are mown, in these rows grasses wil dominate. They will be used to drive over and walk on. The rows of grass are also mowed alternately so that enough useful insects can survive in the other rows. Especially when dry weather is predicted we cut the grass short so that the grass uses less water and more is left for the grapes. When the weather is wet the grass can stay a bit longer in order for it to form a buffer for the grapes.
We have dug a couple of ponds. These provide the water for the night frost control. The ponds also provide better water management in the vineyard. The ponds have a steep bank to provide for nesting place for bank swallows and kingfishers. The flat bank is very suitable for amphibians and frogs. Around the vineyard we planted trees to block the wind so the temperature in the vineyard is higher. All kinds of animals find shelter in these hedgerows.
Late frost
A great danger for the newly sprouted buds in spring is late frost, we have installed a system to combat night frost. In spring, when the temperatures dip below 0, the pumps are switched on. Water is then sprayed above the vines and the water freezes around the buds. During the process of ice formation, a small amount of coagulation heat is released so that the buds remain just above freezing temperature.
Dassemus wine cellar
Vinification
After picking the grapes are immediately processed in our own wine cellar. We also bottle and label on the estate. We have a de-stemmer, a pneumatic press, several stainless steel, wooden barrels and a ceramic amphora (clayver), a filler, screw cap and cork machine.
All wines from our vineyard are organic.
We produce organic natural wines, also called wild wines. No yeast is added to natural wines. The yeasts naturally present in the vineyard start the fermentation process. These wines are not filtered and nothing is added during vinification, only at bottling a small amout (<10mg/l) of sulfite is used when necessary.
Distillilery
From the residual product of winemaking (the grape skins) we make The Spirit of Dassemus in our own cellar. This is a grappa, or eau de vie of grape skins. It is fruity and very soft with 40% alcohol. A part of this eau de vie is matured on barrique. Other fruit such as apples, raspberries and cherries are also distilled.
There is an organic whisky distillery located on the estate, Baronie Distillers.
Wines
Organic Natural Wines
Wilde Witte (wild white)
A blend of Solaris, Sauvignac and Souvignier Gris. Handpicked, one night skin contact, no added yeast, no sulphites except for at bottling (<10 mg), unfiltered. .
Wilde Rosé (wild rosé)
A blend of Cabernet Jura and Cabernet Cantor. Handpicked, no skin contact, no added yeast, no sulphites except for at bottling (<10 mg), unfiltered.
Ceci n’est pas un orange
A blend of Solaris, Souvignier Gris and Muscaris. Handpicked, 25 days skin contact, fermentation in stainless steel, ripening in part French oak barrique, clayver (ceramic amphore) stainless stell, no added yeast, no sulphites except for at bottling (<10 mg), unfiltered.
Wilde Rode (wild red)
Other
Brut Nature Wit (brut white)
Traditionally produced sparkling wine with a second fermentation in the bottle of 2 years. Fruity with the typical yeast aromas of a traditional sparkling wine.
Brut Nature Rood (brute red)
Sparkling red wine from Cabernet Jura, which produces a very fruity red wine that lends itself well to being made sparkling. Very interesting and unique wine
Appel Cider (apple cider)
This cider is made from apples that are too large or too small according to the requirements of the suiker markets. Fruity and clearly applesome. Dry, with a nice balance between sweet and sour . Slightly sparkling by fermentation in the bottle or by injection of C02.
Eau de Vie (grappa)
Or rather an eau de vie of grape skins. Self-fired, fruity and very soft with 40% alcohol. Also different types of eau de vie: “grappa”, “grappa” aged on barrique, from apples, raspberries, cherries, and whiskey.
Where to buy
Vineyard shop
The wines are for sale in the shop on the vineyard. The shop is in principle open every day, but you are kindly advised to give us a call in advance. We take bank card payments (pin).
Order
We have our wines delivered in the Netherlands. You can order in the webshop.
Partners
Click here to find outlets that sell our wines.