England's first biodynamic winery launches two new wines

By Tara Craig

Published: 10 September, 2013

Less than three years after launching the UK's first accredited biodynamic wine, Sedlescombe has brought out two more.

The two latest biodynamic wines from the Sussex-based vineyard, owned by Roy and Irma Cook, are a sparkling and a red, each of them the first of their kind to be produced in England.

Launched in May, they are increasingly attracting attention from wine fans, helped by a silver medal each at the International Organic Wine Awards. The sparkling wine - the Sedlescombe 2010 Premier Brut - also won silver at the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) Wine of the Year competition, where the red wine - the Sedlescombe Vintage Regent 2011 - won 'highly commended'. Both wines are in limited supply and selling well, Roy Cook told Harpers.

The Premier Brut is made in the classic Champagne style from 60% Seyval Blanc and 40% Johanniter grapes grown at the home vineyard and at the nearby vineyard at Bodiam Castle managed by the Cooks. A traditional method secondary fermentation of at least 18 months has added a toasty flavour to the wine's tangy tropical fruit palate.

The Vintage Regent is an oak matured red wine made from Regent grapes grown in the Sedlescombe Millennium vineyard. The exceptionally high sugar levels of 2011 ensured an adequate natural alcohol level of 11.74%, making chapitalization unnecessary, while a seven month maturation in French barique oak barrels has produced a smoky full bodied wine.

"I have no doubt that my decision to upgrade from organic to full biodynamic status in 2010 has added an extra quality to our wines and helped to define their unique terroir", said Cook.

The Premier Brut retails at £35 per bottle, and the Vintage Regent at £29.50. They are available from the company's website, www.englishorganicwine.co.uk and from the vineyard shop.

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