With two elite wine regions already mentioned, where are we going next? Might come as a surprise but weāre off to Kent. Yes, you read it right. Just an hour on the train from London and you too can find some exceptional vines.
Whilst the English wine trend is showing no sign of slowing down, itās rare to actually find producers doing things the right way. To me that's farming regeneratively whilst making no nasty additions in the cellar. Lots of the stuff getting the big press comes from fruit which has been sprayed to within an inch of its life and manipulated so much itās unrecognisably English. Partly because growing good grapes on this sorry little island is pretty damn hard, partly ācos people want to cash in on the trend.
Thankfully,Ā Ham StreetĀ are leading the charge for a new exciting natural wine scene that is slowly, but finally emerging here in the UK. Iāve had the pleasure of spending time in their vines and I havenāt seen better grapes here in England.
Iām pumped that we now have a few of their delicious wines available for you all.
Firstly, theirĀ Field BlendĀ is a hodge-podge mix of everything they grow. Enjoyment in spades, this reminds me of an adult Fanta Fruit Twist. Idk, if they make that anymore but this is a joyous fruit bomb of a wine. Feels like an English Summer. Move over Pimms.
Also, we stocked up on two single barrel releases. These are super limited, Iām talking less than 300 bottles of each cuvee. Rare as. TheirĀ BacchusĀ is by far the best expression of the grape Iāve tasted. Often, it feels like our stab at the NZ Sauvignon Blanc. Overtly aromatic, thin, too much. Just like Sauvignon Blanc though, when treated correctly, in the right hands it can produce wines of sheer class. This is exactly that, restrained and refined. A bit of time on skins adds texture and tempers the fruit. Bit of time in ex-burg barrels adding further smokey, spicy complexity. Delicious.
TheirĀ ChardonnayĀ too is exceptional, feels like a stroll in the English countryside. Crisp fruit, a little bit of herbal hedgerow aromatics and plenty of that zesty acid you expect from our rather cool climate. Mouthwatering stuff. These are without a shadow of a doubt the very best wines you can get from England. All made without any additions.
Enough rambling for the week, Iāve actually got a shift at Danās tonight. Come say hello!
Fionn
XOXO