|
|
The Champagne house Pommery is bringing in the first major harvest from its British vineyard Pinglestone Estate. The 2021 vintage is considered the most difficult of the last ten years in the UK. After the spring frosts, the rainy summer led to heavy downy mildew infestation and a late harvest.
Purchased in 2016, the Pinglestone Estate in Hampshire is 40 hectares, of which 30 hectares are currently planted and 14 hectares are in yield. Harvest began on 14 October with Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. For the Chardonnay, Champagne Pommery's cellar master Clément Pierlot is still hoping for a dry phase and good ripening. It is the first full harvest of this estate, for which a yield of 120 tonnes is expected, after 20 tonnes were already brought in for the first Pinglestone Estate Blanc des Blancs in 2020.
Pierlot says: "So far I am very happy with how the project is going. Anyway, to be commercially successful too, English sparkling wine should be cheaper than the big champagne brands, around £30."
More news
Taittinger plants vines in England - first British sparkling wine from the champagne house planned for 2023
Vranken-Pommery introduces first British sparkling wine - "Louis Pommery England Brut" will be produced in southern England
(al / Source: drinksbusiness; Photo: vrankenpommery)