South Downs vineyard releases trio of debut wines

The family-owned Kinsbrook Vineyard near West Chiltington was founded in 2014 and has now launched its first bottles - a Sparkling Vintage Cuvee, a limited production Bacchus and a Pinot Gris.

The sparkling Cuvee - made by celebrated winemaker Dermot Sugrue - is said to be crisp with aromas of orchard fruit, toasted brioche and honeyed almonds, characteristic of a wine which has been aged for nearly six years on lees.

The Bacchus grape, ideally suited to England’s cool climate, is the basis of Kinsbrook’s low-alcohol wine (10.6%) while the semi-aromatic Pinot Gris is a highly-complex acidic wine said to have notes of apple, stone fruit and spices.

Kinsbrook Vineyard is also experimenting with the ‘forgotten’ Champagne grape varieties once used in France; it is believed to be one of the only plantings in the country. These varieties will be ready for their first harvest in 2021.

“Our hand-crafted wines exemplify the potential of England’s viticulture” says Joe Beckett, who, at 27, is the youngest vineyard owner in the country.

“Four years ago I visited the wineries on Waiheke Island in New Zealand and felt inspired to not only set up my own vineyard on my family’s third generation farm, but to create a complete wine tourism experience around it.

“I’m so excited to finally have our first vintage and I’m looking forward to sharing it with people both local and from further afield.”

The Bacchus will retail at £18, the Pinot Gris at £19 and the sparkling at £35.

Kinsbrook has also launched vineyard tours and wine tastings of its debut vintage from its converted horsebox overlooking the vineyard.

Visitors can either drop in for a tasting or book a tour. See https://www.kinsbrookvineyard.com