insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 19 - September 2016 | Page 42

FOOD + DRINK
BOTTOMS UP! The incredible rise of Sussex wine cont.

JONATHAN’ S TOP FIVE SUSSEX WINES

We asked Jonathan Gibson from the Sussex Wine School to let us in on his top five favourite Sussex wines …
1
Albourne Estate, Estate Selection 2014
" With an extremely low fruit load, yielding just 1.5 tonnes per acre, our Pinot Gris produced some lovely clean and ripe fruit this year. We have therefore made this the main component of our 2015 Estate Selection blend( 48 %), backed up by Pinot Blanc( 29 %) – last year’ s dominant player – and Bacchus( 23 %). Showing impressive texture, fullness and length, the Estate Selection offers a refined and distinct mineral quality with subtle aromas of stone fruit, citrus, pineapple and mango. Great as an aperitif or with seafood, cheese, salads and poultry."( Winemakers notes, available at www. albourneestate. co. uk.)
2
Court Garden Blanc de Blancs 2010
3
Ridgeview Cavendish 2013
IWC 2015‘ English Sparkling Trophy’ and‘ English Vintage Trophy’ winner. " Pale lemon-green, continuous tiny bubbles and tight cordon; ripe peach and apple fruits with smoky-toasty autolysis; noticeably off dry, crisp and balanced, mid weight, well integrated and excellent concentration and length, with a savoury finish. The perfect welcome drink; good on its own or accompanied by canapés."( Winemakers notes, available at www. courtgarden. com.)
Cavendish is Ridgeview ' s traditional blend, dominated by the red fruits of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and supported by crisp Chardonnay notes. " A rich golden colour with exceptionally fine bubbles. The nose is expressive with hints of red fruits. The Pinot dominance brings depth and complexity to the palate with a long-lasting finish, while the Chardonnay adds finesse and freshness. Drink now or age for two to three years. The richness of the palate and the good acidity make Cavendish a great food wine; a wonderful accompaniment to seafood or canapés featuring duck or beetroot."( Winemakers notes, available at www. ridgeview. co. uk.)
4
Bolney Pinot Gris 2015
5
Davenport Vineyards Horsmonden Dry White 2014
“ Made from 100 percent Pinot Gris grapes, this award-winning dry white wine has a fragrant aroma of rose, jasmine and conference pears, which follows through into the palette with a wonderful richness and slightly honeyed character,” says Jonathan.“ The wine has a lovely creamy freshness about it. It’ s excellent with sushi, shellfish and most fish dishes, and some of the more delicate Asian dishes. If you can find the 2013 vintage still available, buy it.”( Available at www. bolneywineestate. com.)
" Made from a blend of five grape varieties grown in our original vineyard plot, this wine has been made every year since 1993 and has won many accolades since then. The wine has been likened to a Sauvignon Blanc in style and is often mistaken for a New Zealand wine, but with a mineral underlying structure. 2014 is soft, aromatic and fruit driven. Perfect for a summer afternoon, or for drinking with white meats, salads and even quite spicy food."( Winemakers notes, available at davenportvineyards. co. uk.)
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