SPOTLIGHT ON CLIVE BARLOW MW
What is your background ? I worked on farms in the UK during the 1980s and then did a harvest on a vineyard before working in a winery . Believe it or not , the vineyard was in Hampshire . Since that time I have worked in wine retailing , wholesaling and education .
First memory of trying English wine : Sipping a crisp , cloudy , just-fermented wine at the vineyard near Lymington and thinking this beautiful , vibrant liquid comes from the earth and the vines of my country .
Favourite Kentish vineyard to visit : Such a tricky question . Each vineyard offers something different , with lovely wines . I guess they all have something to offer but I do love the old vines at Biddenden ; when you see the 50-yearold vines , gnarled and twisted yet full of greenery and heavy with fruit , you realise that we are a wine region with history and potential .
Favourite Kentish wine : There have been many terrific Kentish wines tasted over the past few years . Perhaps , if I am allowed a still and sparkling , they would be the Gusbourne Barrel Select Pinot Noir 2018 and the Squerryes 2010 Brut . Both wines were the best of their vintage and world class . their wines . Our aim has always been to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where people can discover the wide variety of wines from Kent and England . By installing enomatic machines , customers have a chance to sample many and it also adds a little bit of theatre .
What ’ s your most popular wine ? We have just been through the winter , so the pinot noirs were very popular . Simpsons ’ Rabbit Hole flew off the shelves , but the sparkling wines do very well , too .
How can we learn more about Kentish wine through Corkk ? As well as our enomatic machines , we sell wines by the glass – three still wines and three sparkling , but we will be running English wine workshops where you can taste wines and learn about the English wine scene . If coming to Canterbury is not so easy , we have a subscription offering on our website .
What events are you planning and how do we book onto them ? We have a regular programme of tastings and events , all of which can be booked online . Keep your eyes on our website and social media for details . Plus , we will be having collaborations with local chefs and restaurants for pop-up dinners .
Looking to the future , what plans do you have for Corkk ? Expansion of our Canterbury shop , including our tasting room with a stunning view of Canterbury Cathedral , bringing in more wines and then , let ’ s see !
www . corkk . co . uk corkk _ wine
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