Meet the Winemakers of Hemel-en-Aarde: Emul Ross from Hamilton Russell Vineyards

1. How did you get started in the wine business?

I was interested by the diversity of wines on our dinner table growing up! I studied BSc Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University after school. I was lucky enough to be employed by Graham Beck Wines in Franschhoek after my internship there in 2008.

2. What is your winemaking style?

I like to do as little as possible to ensure that the final wine speaks of a place and a vintage. Honest imperfections can be beautiful too!

3. How do you KNOW when you have a particularly good vintage?

I usually have a fairly good idea once we start sampling grapes in the vineyard. I know for sure once the ferments start in the cellar. The vintages where we need to do less work usually turn out the best!

4. What is one of your favorite varietals to work with and why?

Pinot Noir! It keeps you humble, but the rewards are great when you get it right!

5. In the world of wine, who do you most admire and why? Who influenced you?

Many people, but Gottfried Mocke really influenced me and ignited my passion for Chardonnay and Pinot when I worked with him at Chamonix. We tasted good wines together and it was always about quality over quantity. I admire my wife, Yvonne, for supporting me through all the travels and late nights that become part of life in the wine industry!

6. Do you have a favorite wine or vintage that you have made?

The 2018 Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay is pretty special! It really is a case where the sum is greater than the parts. Individual parcels tasted good, but blended together they sang in chorus!

7. What is one of the hardest things about winemaking year in and year out?

Trying to be as cool as Craig Wessels!

8. What is your most memorable wine or wine tasting experience?

There are many, but tasting a pristine 1929 Pommard with fellow winemakers in Burgundy earlier this year was special! As was the barrel tasting at Domaine de la Romanee Conti two days later!

9.Do you have a random talent or party trick?

Not that I’m aware of!

10.. What has surprised you about being a winemaker?

I guess one of the biggest surprises was how winemakers are willing to help one another. Although the market is very competitive, winemakers generally tend to help fellow winemakers where they can. We are especially lucky to have such a tight-knit group in the Hemel-en-Aarde!