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Chapel Down Brut Sparkling
Kevin's comments: The background terroir in the south east of England on the Downs is identical to that of Champagne; a chalky or limestone outcrop with alluvial clay deposits just below the surface. This clean and refreshing sparkling wine is made by the traditional method from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meurnier and Pinot Blanc.
ENGLISH WINES GROUP, TENTERDEN, KENT
Based at Tenterden in Kent, English Wines Group is the largest producer of quality still and sparkling English wines available today. Using a combination of technical expertise and premium grapes grown on the mineral-rich soil of SE England, they make a range of award-winning wines bottled under the Chapel Down label.
Chapel Down is at the forefront of the increased profile and International success of English wines. A Gold Medal at the 2004 International Wine Challenge and UK Winemaker of the Year in 2002, 2003 and 2005, proves their obsession with quality is paying dividends.
Grapes: Reichensteiner 55%, Rivaner(Muller Thurgau) 30% and Pinot Noir 15%
Winemaking: NV Brut is made according to the traditional method. Grapes are whole-bunch pressed with a cuvee of between 450-500l/tonne being used for the base wine. The wine spends between 12-18 months on its lees and has 2-3 months on its cork before being released.
Note: Reichensteiner is a high sugar, neutral grape variety, Rivaner gives a little more spice and the Pinot Noir adds structure and complexity.
Serve: Chilled, makes any drinking occaision more special.
Taste: A well structured wine with hawthorne, citrus and yeasty flavours and a hint of blackcurrant leaves.The mousse is fine and sustained in the mouth and glass.
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