Camel Valley first to apply for PDO status

Published: 06 February, 2012

The UK's first single grower application for Protected Designation of Origin recognition has been submitted.

Camel Valley Vineyards in Cornwall has applied to the EU, through DEFRA, for a PDO for a small area known by the historic field name of Darnibole.

Darnibole vineyard has an ancient slate sub soil, a steep south facing slope and grows Bacchus grapes.

Owner Bob Lindo has set very strict criteria for the resulting wine - it must be 100% Bacchus from Darnibole, have no acidification or de-acidification, no sweetening and higher natural alcohol. Grapes must be hand picked, the wine must be made at the adjoining Camel Valley winery and it must be compared with previous vintages to ensure typicity.

The Darnibole vineyard produces "intense, steely Bacchus with a delicate restrained aroma," according to Lindo. "All previous vintages of Darnibole Bacchus have won a gold medal and critical acclaim, so there is something that we consider to be special about that small area," he added.

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