I must admit that I have not been a very loyal supporter of English wines – thinking that as a country they excel at beer and cider and should perhaps leave the top end of the sparkling wine market to the monks this side of the channel – however I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the wines being produced at Chapel Down Winery and Restaurant in Kent, are producing some very exciting wines across their range from still table wines to their top two sparkling wines. Both the winery and restaurant are worth a visit for those of you that back to the ‘old land’ and live in that part of the world.
Chapel Down play a very important role in the English wine scene and Kit’s Coty vineyard is a 95 acre vineyard on the North Downs of Kent, where the southern aspect ensures the vines capture the sunshine all year long while the warm, free draining chalk soils provide the perfect terroir. Recent wine tastings (courtesy of BI Wine Merchants London)
Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Blanc de Blancs 2013
‘ Undergoes malolactic fermentation and 20% of the blend is matured in barrel. This is really attractive, with lovely citrus fruit with some pear richness, as well as a bit of chalky, pithy texture. There’s a hint of red apple, and a lovely rounded fruit-driven core to the wine. This has some richness, it has a brightness, and the high acidity is really well integrated and balanced by a touch of sweetness from the dosage (which is a touch on the high side). Very classy winemaking here. ‘ Jamie Goode
Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Coeur de Cuvee 2013
‘This is produced from only the very best blocks of Chardonnay within the Kit’s Coty estate, and is made from the first 200 litres/ton of the pressing of these grapes: the heart of the cuvée referred to in the name. Base wine is wild-fermented and matured on lees in French oak for seven months, and dosage is 6 g/litre. 1600 bottles made. The nose has some nuttiness and a bit of toast, as well as rich lemon and pear fruit. The palate is intense and focused with some honeyed, nutty oak character and a core of lemony fruit, with really well integrated acidity. Rich, intense and powerful, with nice freshness, but also some dried apple oxidative notes in the background. This needs some time to come together, but it’s pretty impressive in this youthful incarnation.’ Jamie Goode
Anyone interested in buying any of these wines can contact:
Katie Withers Green
Private Sales
T: +44 (0) 20 7269 0703
M: +44 (0) 7961 500 616
