KNOW YOUR PINOTS WITH
FOOD + DRINK
MEREWORTH WINES
MEREWORTH WINES ’ CHOICE OF PLANTINGS IN THEIR VINEYARD IS BASED ON COMPATIBILITY WITH THE CLIMATE , SOIL AND TOPOGRAPHY , AND AS CHANCE WOULD HAVE IT THIS VINEYARD AND REGION ARE PARTICULARLY SUITED TO THE THREE GRAPES WHICH ARE USED TO MAKE CHAMPAGNE – OR HERE IN ENGLAND , TO MAKE EXCEPTIONAL ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE , USING THE SAME TRADITIONAL METHOD .
L : MEREWORTH WINES ’ AWARD-WINNING FIRST VINTAGE ‘ WHITE FROM BLACK 2018 ’ – A WHITE ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE MADE FROM BLACK PINOT GRAPES , GROWN IN THEIR VINEYARD IN WATERINGBURY ; R : PINOT NOIR GRAPES IN THE LEAD-UP TO OUR 2020 HARVEST . Photos © Saltwick Media @ saltwickmedia
Chardonnay vines account for over half of their vineyard plantings , and you ’ ll be able to enjoy their fruits when Mereworth Wines ’ first ‘ White from White ’ is released in a couple of months time . Currently available , with a limited number of bottles left , their ‘ White From Black ’ is a white sparkling wine made from their black grapes – the Pinots .
The principal grape in Mereworth Wines ’ ‘ White From Black ’, as well as contributing to their upcoming Sparkling Rosé , the Pinot Noir is the real backbone which gives body and structure to the blends . With its thin skin , resulting in a naturally delicate colour , Pinot Noir is particularly suited to cooler climates ; once thought of as a ‘ Burgundy grape ’, improvements in weather and vineyard management over the years have meant that English and Kent vineyards are now giving France some competition . Almost a quarter of total UK plantings consist of Pinot Noir – and with very good reason . The Pinot Noir grapes bring distinctive aromas of red berries , and flavours of cherries , elderberries and blackberries on the palate .
The third and least well-known in the trio of Sparkling Wine grapes is Pinot Meunier . Only 4 % of Mereworth Wines ’ vineyard is planted with Pinot Meunier but that doesn ’ t take away the fact that it ’ s an essential component – versatile and bringing something very different from the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes . Pinot Meunier is noticeably different visually from Pinot Noir in the vineyard . It has a silvery white sheen caused by the fine hairs that cover the leaves . Pinot Meunier is actually a wonderful mutation of the Pinot Noir grapes
– one of many , such as Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris . Although the inner cell layers are mostly identical , the mutation is most evident on the outer epidermal layers . As well as its visual differences , Pinot Meunier grapes also bring their own unique qualities to the mix . Adding bright acidity , deep fruitiness and a roundness of flavours , they contribute body and richness to the blend , imparting stone fruit flavours , with hints of honey , walnut and coffee developing as the wine ages .
Now you know your grapes , it ' s time to try the exceptional English Sparkling Wine which Mereworth Wines have made from them . Due for release over the next few months - is the new 2018 White From White and 2019 Sparkling Rosé .
You can also ensure you are part of the Mereworth journey from the very beginning , by enjoying their first ever vintage ; the 2018 White From Black , made from their Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes .
Mereworth Wines ’ winery shop is open with Covid-safe measures in place , and they offer a reliable click & collect service . Delivery is also available to anywhere in mainland UK .
www . mereworth . co . uk mereworthwines
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