The Heppington Vineyard, just to the southeast of Canterbury, lies in the Kent Downs on chalk soils. The estate covers 6.25 ha and was planted in 2016 primarily to Champagne varieties but also some Pinot Gris, which has proved to make some very good still wine. Whilst the initial aim was to produce sparkling wines and sell grapes the quality of the fruit was such that the owners, Henry and Gill, decided to produce a range of still wines from some of their Champagne varieties, namely the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

At our first tasting of the 2020 wines back in April 2021 we could see the great potential of the wines and thought that the Chardonnay was almost ready for the table but that the other wines, the pale rosé and red Pinot Noir required a little more time.

Sadly, there is no more of the 2020 Chardonnay left, although the 2021 should be quite impressive but the Heppington Rosé 2020 is now perfect. The wine has a light red current and cranberry nose with a lift of evolved Pinot Noir spice and leafiness, and a palate with a pleasing mix of fruit and savoury edges. The wine fresh is but not tart with a gentle texture from fine tannins. Rosé can be thought of as simply an aperitif but this will partner a range of salads, fish and meat very very well. Try this with a platter of charcuterie, cold cuts, patés, terrines, cold poached salmon, a variety of salads and you will not be disappointed.