English Sparkling Wines
It is amazing how English sparkling wine has improved over the past decade, what was once a hobby has become a thriving business, and it’s not just good; it’s very good indeed with many a blind tasting beating the powerhouse that is Champagne. The soil in southern England is similar to the terroir in Champagne. And in little old Hertfordshire we have a few gems dating back to the 1970’s to our latest vineyard releasing it first vintage this year.
Three Squirrels Vineyard
The grapes planted at Hazel End are all white and, until 2001, the wines made from these were all still wines. The first sparkling wine, made from the 2001 vintage, was available in 2003. The still wines have always been sold under the "Hazel End" label but "Three Squirrels" was chosen for the sparkling, inspired by the sign that has hung outside Gosling's Bank (now Barclays) at 19 Fleet Street since the 17th century where Samuel Pepys once enjoyed "a pint of wine". Hazel End has been Gosling territory for over two centuries. The structure in this wine is incredible due to the aging process, its aged for 3 years on the lees which is are more than the minimum requirement to be labelled as English Sparkling (one year) and then off course further bottle aging which brings out the deep biscuit and brioche tones on top of the fresh apples and with the price tag of £20.00 its amazing value for money considering the work gone into it, there are also a few still wines available, but the Bacchus £10.50 really stands out for us due to the fresh clean style with low acidity making this a perfect aperitif wine.
Four Acres Estate
The Four Acres Estate is a small family run single vineyard set on a hillside above the Ash Valley in Little Hadham, Hertfordshire.
Wine maker and owner Platon Loizou decided he wanted to get back to his Cypriot roots and fulfil a long-term dream of making wine. Since 2010 he has been out in all weathers, getting closer to nature tending his precious vines, nurturing them from saplings to maturity, bolstering his knowledge by consulting at every step with some of the best vintners in the country.
The simple fact is that making hand crafted English Sparkling Wine cannot be rushed, especially as Platon elected to go for the best quality by aging on the lees (a beneficial process pioneered in France known as sur lie), the bottles are laid for 18 months rather than the normal 12 and then hand 'riddled' (turned) twice a day for two weeks prior to disgorging.
In summer 2018 both the Blanc de Blancs £ 25.00 and Rosé £27.50 were released, the rose is fresh and bright with a light red berry expression and stone fruits...whilst the Blanc de Blanc has more depth giving hints of fresh toast, green apples and zesty tones both again are amazing value for money.