This Month’s Selection

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This month’s selection is a chance to taste wines from around the south of England and from some of the more far reaching parts of English Wine, including Devon and Norfolk.

We have selected the wines from estates ranging from a few acres to one of the larger concerns in the country but all wines are made with Estate grown fruit.

The still wines include a Chardonnay which Matthew Jukes said of: “This is the most resonant and beautiful English wine I have tasted and I have waited 34 years to say this”, a wonderful example of a Bacchus from Norfolk and a creamy Pinot Meunier from the Kent Wine Estate, Simpsons . The sparkling wines are varied and show the differences in styles made in the English Vineyards. Their is a wonderful drinking sparkling from Lyme Bay in Devon, a 2015 organic wine from England’s oldest organic vineyard and a delightful Rosé de Noir from the boutique vineyard, Chartham.

For more details on the individual wines please see below. All orders come with more detailed notes on the wines, the winemaker and food pairing tips. As with all our wines, subscribers always receive the monthly wines first, before they are made available in the shop.

white, white, white - Still Selection

White - Flint Bacchus 2018

The wine has a typical Bacchus freshness and vibrant acidity but what is distinctive is the layered aromatics and flavours which make this a wine to sip and explore as well as seek another glass.  The complex range of flavours and citrus nature make this a wine suitable for lighter dishes with an array of spices and flavours. So it matches Thai or spicy foods well such as fish curries or lemongrass based dishes. Whilst the wine will undoubtedly last a couple more years it may be best to enjoy its youthful exuberance over this coming summer.

white - Simpsons PInOT Meunier 2019

There is a creamy texture to the wine with hints of raspberry and apple plus some umami touches. A more weighty and complex wine such as this will partner a number of dishes but try it with a roast chicken or pie; relatively simple dishes but ones which will be enhanced by the addition of a glass or two of fine wine. In terms of ageing this is now coming into its early maturity and could last another two years becoming richer and complex

White - Oxney Chardonnay 2018

The wine has an enticing lemon, peach, bread and cream nose. The palate has a smooth attack, creamy with white peach and a touch of spice. It is dry and has time to evolve further but this is undoubtedly a vinous treasure with ripe fruit cut by citrus freshness. It is like a St Veran from Burgundy lifted by English zest. A wine like this is a pleasure on its own but will partner Salmon, especially if encroute or with a cream sauce. Also, a classic Sunday roast Chicken will be adorned by this wine or it could partner some hard cheeses such as Beaufort or Comté. In fact, I am planning a three course meal of smoked Salmon on cream cheese blinis, Salmon, Chicken with asparagus followed by a cheese platter.

Sparkling Wine selection

Sedlescombe Brut Reserve 2015

Sedlescombe Organic, England's oldest organic vineyard, comprises 22 acres of organically certified vineyards.   Established in 1979 by wine pioneer, Roy Cook, Sedlescombe Organic remains an independently run family business, offering award winning estate grown organic and biodynamic English wines.

The Premier Brut is a blend of three varieties, the Johanitter, Seyval Blanc and Kerner, so  not the classic Champagne grapes and definitely delivering a different character. The wine is an aromatic adventure of lemon peel.  apple, creamy, baked bread and nuts. The mousse is gentle but persistent , the wine dry but heavy with savoury richness. This is a fizz to savour or drink with light appetisers; think cheesy biscuits or canapés. Whilst it has plenty of character and can be enjoyed now it is best drunk in the next two years to enjoy the fruitiness.

Lyme Bay Reserve

The Brut Reserve has a clean nose, fresh apples and fresh cobnuts come to mind, with a light bready hint. The palate is light and fresh and clean. There is a lively mousse, a citrus streak and notes of green apples. This is not a heavy wine, its joy comes in its lightness, it brightens up the palate, revives and refreshes. Whilst the wine has a number of years in bottle it remains vibrant and lively. This is a perfect aperitif, dry with a merest hint of sweetness, a true palate arouser. No need for food partners with this wine, simply pour and enjoy.

Chartham Rosé de Noir, Brut

This is the first sparkling rose produced from the Pinot Noir at Chartham. The first ever crop of Pinot Noir made a red wine, the next this wonderful sparkling wine. It has a gentle character with strawberry scents and a touch of florality which lead to a creamy mousse, light fruit and a sublime palate. Whilst some fizz can be austere and severe this is a poised and sedate wine which caresses the palate. A delight on its own it would suit spicy dishes or canapés, try with a lightly spiced fish or prawn curry.