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Chapel Down becomes first English wine to win ‘top honour’ in US wine challenge

Published:  14 June, 2017

Chapel Down has been awarded the Chairman’s Trophy at the US Ultimate Wine Challenge 2017 competition for its Three Graces 2010 vintage.

In addition to receiving an impressive 94 points, judges said the English fizz – a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 7% Pinot Meunier – gave Champagnes a “run for their money”.

Now in its seventh year, the Ultimate Wine Challenge, judged by leading US industry figures and chaired by Ultimate Beverage Challenge founders Paul Pacult, David Talbot and Sue Woodley, 2017 marks the first time an English fizz has been awarded a trophy, said the Kent-based winery.

The judges had been particular impressed by “the quality and structure” of Three Graces 2010, with Chapel Down’s Non-Vintage Brut also hailed as “highly recommended” with a total score of 92 points, said managing director, Mark Harvey, adding the winery was “thrilled” by the positive response to its English sparkling wine in the US.

“This prestigious accolade for Chapel Down adds to the sense of opportunity and excitement Stateside - this is only the beginning.”

Chapel Down made its first foray into the US in New York in October. On the back of “rapid success”, the producer has extended distribution to Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, with plans to expand to the West Coast and South of the country later this year.

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