FOOD + DRINK
CHAPEL DOWN
ANNOUNCES NEW COLLECTION OF SINGLE VINEYARD WINES
Chapel Down is England ’ s leading wine producer and one of the UK ’ s most exciting drinks companies . Produced in Kent , Chapel Down offers a world-class range of sparkling and still wines , together with an award-winning range of Curious beer and cider . With a mission to surprise and delight , Chapel Down has quickly gained support from leading chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver , as well as receiving an impressive array of international awards . This month sees the launch of Kit ' s Coty Chardonnay 2013 , the first in a series of exclusive single vineyard wines to be launched by Chapel Down .
Located in Tenterden , in the heart of the Kent countryside , the Chapel Down winery is open to the public throughout the year and welcomes over 50,000 visitors each year . As England ' s leading wine producer , Chapel Down produces a range of award-winning sparkling and still wines , together with a range of Curious beers and cider that are produced using winemaking expertise .
This month sees the launch of a new range of wines with the first to be launched , Kit ' s Coty Chardonnay 2013 , a single varietal Chardonnay from the exceptional Kit ' s Coty vineyard . Located on the North Downs of Kent , Kit ' s Coty produces wines of exceptional quality thanks to its limerich soil , southerly facing slopes and unique microclimate .
Highest levels of viticulture and winemaking practices are employed with whole-bunch pressed fruit undergoing wild yeast fermentation and extended ageing in barrel .
Situated on one of the oldest agrarian landscapes in Britain , Kit ’ s Coty is named after the monuments to the first settlers of Britain ’ s earliest farming society who recognised the fertility of the land in the third millennium BC . Chapel Down acquired the land in 2007 and 95 acres are now planted of Chardonnay , Pinot Noir and Bacchus .
The Kit ’ s Coty vineyard sits in the sheltered lee of steep chalk hills that rise above , keeping cool northerly winds at bay . The expansive southerly aspect ensures the vines capture the sunshine all year long while the warm , free-draining chalk soils provide the perfect terroir for producing wellbalanced vines and intensely flavoured fruit .
Restricting yields and maintaining vine balance allow vines to fulfil their potential , producing fruit that truly express their identity and the unique qualities of the soil . This results in wines of purity , intensity and complexity .
The first of the range to be released – the Kit ’ s Coty Chardonnay 2013 – is a limited production wine boasting rich aromas of apple , apricot and buttered toast with hints of nutmeg . On the palate it has layers of flavour and creamy texture which lead on to the long , intense but fresh finish .
Mark Harvey , managing director at Chapel Down , states : “ We are profoundly excited about the introduction of the Kit ’ s Coty range into English Wines . Here the magic of “ terroir ” combines with the highest levels of viticulture and winemaking to produce truly world-class wines . Once again , the bar in English Wines has been raised !”
The aromatic freshness of this wine lends itself to pairing with seafood , particularly white fish or shellfish . However , the depth of flavour and richness would allow it to stand up to a butter or cream-based sauce . Try with Rye Bay scallops in garlic butter or simply grilled .
The Kit ’ s Coty Chardonnay 2013 is the first of the range to be launched ( 12.5 % ABV , RRP £ 19.99 ) and is available to purchase at www . chapeldown . com . This is the first of several Kit ’ s Coty Single Vineyard wines to be released over the next 12 months .
www . chapeldown . com @ ChapelDownWines @ CuriousDrinks
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