Jo
FOOD + DRINK
On The Grapevine
Hooray for longer days and spring growth! From now on we can see the vines bursting into life, changing the face of our countryside on a daily basis. There’ s still a frost risk, so most vineyard managers are not ready to celebrate the warmer weather just yet. The winemakers are hard at work bottling the new vintages, whether it is still wines that were harvested last autumn or sparkling wines that are beginning their second fermentation. This second stage is what makes the wine fizzy and can take years to achieve the layers of flavour that we’ ve come to love in English sparkling wine.
Westwell( westwellwines. com) is one of the most innovative wine producers in the UK, with a large range of unique wines that reflect the changing conditions in the vineyard year on year. Adrian Pike, the MD and head winemaker, is passionate about pet nat, a naturally sparkling wine that has minimal filtering and a quick fermentation which means that it will always be fresh and fruity. We had such a warm summer last year, that I would expect them to taste of ripe raspberries and cream. There are three to be released at the end of this month. Each one has its own story and will be worth trying side by side if you go and visit their vineyard.
Domaine Evremond( domaineevremond. com) is the new vineyard in Chilham that is owned by the Champagne Taittinger family and Hatch Mansfield, the importer that markets Villa Maria and Taittinger. in the UK. Last year they released their first English sparkling wine to great acclaim. This month, they are looking forward to releasing the second edition. With the vines being just one year older, there is a real sense of place in the wine, which you can pick up if the two editions are tasted side by side. Do go along to Domaine Evremond to take in the gorgeous view and enjoy their hospitality.
If you’ re a fan of still wines, Biddenden( biddendenvineyards. com) is where you’ ll discover them. Established in the late 1960s, Biddenden is the oldest vineyard in Kent, with some lovely old vines that are producing their best ever fruit. Back in those days, it was too cold here to reliably ripen such grapes as chardonnay, so German grapes like schonburger and ortega were planted. Despite suffering from an image problem on the wider market, these grape varieties have been made into interesting and crowd-pleasing wines throughout the last half century at Biddenden. This year we can look forward to their new vintage of gamay- a light red bursting with soft red fruits, chapter 56 ortega from their oldest vines and the moreish and deliciously sweet schonburger, that sells out at every event I bring it to. Go along to taste for yourself in their newly renovated tasting room.
SPARKLING TRIBUTE LAUNCHED TO HONOUR RACEHORSE ANNIE POWERS
A decade after one of the most memorable moments in Cheltenham Festival history, Annie Power’ s remarkable Champion Hurdle victory in 2016 is being celebrated with the launch of Annie Power Cuvée 21, a smallproduction English sparkling wine created by her owner, Sussanah Ricci.
Crafted entirely from grapes grown at Ricci’ s Yotes Court vineyard, Annie Power Cuvée 21 is a sparkling tribute to a mare whose brilliance, resilience and charisma captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide. The wine- the first vintage cuvée from Yotes Court- reflects the qualities that made Annie Power a legend.
“ Annie Power was a truly special mare,” said racehorse owner, Sussanah.“ Her Champion Hurdle victory at Cheltenham remains one of the highlights of my list as an owner and it felt fitting to honour that achievement with something equally elegant and celebratory. Annie Power Cuvée 21 is a tribute to her spirit.”
Produced using the traditional method, the sparkling wine is a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir with a small addition of pinot gris to add floral finesse. Matured for three years, it offers fresh notes of yellow plum and candied apple.
Hopefully you’ ll be inspired to try your local vineyard’ s new vintages this month.
Cheers!
Jo
JO GINN, BRAND MANAGER WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
jo @ winegardenofengland. com winegardenofengland
116 • www. insidekent. co. uk