solum
noun [soh-luhm];
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" the upper part of the soil profile, which is influenced by plant roots and climate. "
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Solum depicts our story, we want to make wines that replicate the season, climate and landscapes. All of which influence the soil profile and its capacity to hold water, organic matter and nutrients to ensure the grapevines have the best opportunity to strive within the location.
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"The goal? To allow the place and varietal personality to truly shine through."
Solum Wines was established in 2020 by Ryan Horaczko.
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“My wine journey began working in my family’s boutique wine store at the completion of my high school studies, this is where my passion for wine began to burn. I was fortunate enough to travel through Europe and the Americas where I spent time in some of the great wine regions of the world. During my travels I met producers and was able to gain an understanding of their drive, motivation and the importance they placed on the earth that their wines are produced, something I have tried to replicate with Solum Wines. The challenge each growing season presented these generational producers fascinated me and my undeniable thirst to learn more led me to enrolling in a Bachelor of Agriculture majoring in Viticulture & Winemaking in 2017. My love for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay was ignited by my travels and is now the passion behind Solum Wines.
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In 2018, I was fortunate to secure a position at Principia with Darrin Gaffy on the Mornington Peninsula. Darrin’s generosity and the amazing opportunities presented from working closely with one of the regions premier Pinot Noir & Chardonnay producers has helped shape Solum’s philosophy and winemaking techniques. The first vintage releases wouldn’t have been possible without his mentorship and tutelage.
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In 2020, a tonne of Syrah from Quartz Hill vineyard in the Pyrenees and 2 tonne of
Pinot Noir from a private property on the Peninsula was purchased.
These wines would be Solum's first ever releases in late 2021.
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The next step for Solum wines was taking over a 0.8ha Pinot Noir vineyard on
Boon Wurrung Country in Red Hill. Whilst still new to the grape growing side, sustainable farming is something I am passionate to learn more about and implement into my practices.
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"I want to leave this patch of earth better than I found it."
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Sustainability is at the core of all the choices made in the vineyard. As a viticulturist and winemaker, sustainable viticulture ensures continued preservation of the land on which the vines are planted. The decisions in the vineyard are vital to enhance the quality of our wines once the fruit is off the vine and in the winery.
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Our wines are handpicked, wild fermented and matured in French oak.
Our work in the cellar is hands off, preferring not to manipulate the wines and rather let them express themselves and the journey they are on.
All movement of wine is gentle and slow and we use traditional wine making techniques.
Our wines are not filtered or fined and are vegan friendly.
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We pay respect to the traditional owners who belong to these lands, waterways and skies. We proudly strive to better understand the lands on which we grow grapes on to preserve the beautiful and peaceful landscapes we are blessed with.
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Enjoy!
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Ryan Horaczko
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