Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
At the time of writing, we have just emerged from a wonderful dry spell, where we are actually starting to search the sky for rain clouds. It may be that this will be a particularly warm, dry summer, in which case we’ ll be due for a great vintage in Kent. Last year was very challenging; we had a 30 % reduction in yield, at best. However, the fruit we harvested was of very good quality. This year we may have a bumper harvest but that will bring its own challenges such as a lack of tank space for all the wine we make! Time will tell...
Now that we are spending more time outside, either eating in the garden or entertaining friends, I thought it might be useful to give you some ideas on wine from local estates and possible food pairings.
Kicking off proceedings with a Blanc de Blancs from Gusbourne( gusbourne. com) will wake up your palate in the loveliest way possible. Clean, linear and refreshing, this sparkling chardonnay will complement canapés such as whipped feta blinis. It’ s difficult to follow this, but you can’ t stop there. Another wonderful fizz, with a little more generous character and red fruit notes, is the newly launched Classic Cuvée from Domaine Evremond( domaineevremond. com). This is English Sparkling Wine, grown in Chilham by the Taittinger family. I would drink this with prawns in a light lemongrass dressing.
Moving reluctantly away from sparkling wine, there are some fantastic still white wines to try. Chapel Down Kits Coty Chardonnay( chapeldown. com) will remind you of a Burgundy in its soft creaminess and lively acidity. This would pair beautifully with smoked salmon dressed in lemon and black pepper on rye.( Other train passengers next to me can see me drooling). Another fantastic white wine is actually made from black grapes and is called Derringstone Pinot Meunier from Simpsons( simpsonswine. com). This has the light freshness of a white wine with the depth and red fruit character of a rosé from southern France. Drink this with coronation chicken on a bed of wild rice, garnished with a drizzle of apricot coulis.
SHEPHERD NEAME AND KENT CRISPS JOIN FORCES IN A DELICIOUS NEW PARTNERSHIP
Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has teamed up with fellow independent business Kent Crisps for a delicious new partnership. The popular flavour-packed snacks are now available in select Shepherd Neame pubs and hotels throughout Kent, London and the South East- over a decade after they first paired their offerings to create the beloved flavour of Roast Beef and( Shepherd Neame’ s award-winning) Spitfire Amber Ale.
“ As a business, we are passionate about supporting local producers, which is why we are delighted to announce our new partnership with Kent Crisps,” said Shepherd Neame’ s executive chef Ellina Smith.“ In addition to creating incredibly tasty crisps, which are also gluten-free and free from artificial flavours and preservatives, Kent Crisps is a fellow independent Kent business that shares our commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. We are confident that their award-winning range of products will prove popular with our customers.”
“ As two iconic, independently owned Kent brands, this is a true Kent partnership, demonstrating our shared commitment to the local food, drink and tourism industry in Kent while also keeping food miles to a minimum,” added Kent Crisps’ owner, Laura Bounds.“ We’ re looking forward to working with them and the fantastic opportunity this offers us to bring our award-winning crisps to new audiences.”
Dessert would not be the same without a snifter of Biddenden Schonburger( biddendenvineyards. com). This is a very light sweet wine that tastes of lychees and elderflower. It pairs so well with apple tart tatin and crème anglaise, but it goes equally well with Kentish Blue cheese if you prefer something savoury.
I haven’ t mentioned red wine, but we have some great pinot noir here in Kent. Try the Starters Orders Pinot Noir Reserve from Yotes Court( yotescourt. co. uk), a velvety red with bags of cherries, strawberry and raspberry on the palate.
I do hope you are able to eat and drink your way through July with gusto.
Until next time, cheers!
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
116 • www. insidekent. co. uk