Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

Languedoc-based winery aims to create a world class sparkling wine in Kent

Published:  24 January, 2014

A Languedoc-based winery has taken up the challenge of trying to create a world class sparkling wine in a new vineyard in Kent.

A Languedoc-based winery has taken up the challenge of trying to create a world class sparkling wine in a new vineyard in Kent.
But for English couple Ruth and Charles Simpson it is also a case of bringing the wine skills they have learnt at their Languedoc-based winery, Domaine de Sainte Rose, back to the UK.
The Simpsons are looking to plant in May the first 10 hectares of vines of what could eventually be a 30 hectare estate in Barham.
"We chose Barham in Kent due to its high number of sunshine hours and its proximity to the coast", said Ruth. "Our two vineyard sites are situated on south-facing, free-draining, chalky loam soils, identical to those in Champagne which is why we will be planting four different clones and two different rootstock for each of the three Champagne varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier", she added.
The Simpsons have already produced a 2012 Sparkling Chardonnay at Domaine de Sainte Rose which sold out just one week after its release in November 2013.
"Based on this success, we have quadrupled the volume of sparkling wine produced from the 2013 vintage and 90% of it has been pre-sold", explained Charles. "The increased volume will also include a Blanc de Noir Reserve and a Rosé."
They hope to produce their first English sparkling wine vintage in 2018.
The Simpsons have been producing wine in France for the last 11 years and "feel quietly confident the time is right" to apply what they have learnt back in the UK.
"Our goal is simple, to add to and set new standards in the fast-growing and increasingly admired world of English Sparkling Wine", said Charles.
The Simpsons' Wine Estate sparkling wines will eventually sit alongside the award-winning wines already produced at Domaine de Sainte Rose.
Ruth added: "Our current UK customers are very interested in our new project, but our American and Canadian customers have also expressed significant interest and we will definitely be exporting some of our production."

For more information go to: www.simpsonswine.com. Alternatively, visit www.facebook.com/simpsonswine or follow then on Twitter @simpsonwine.

Keywords: