PRODUCTION

Bacchus is harvested from partner growers across Sussex and Kent, selecting harvest dates when sugars and acidity are in perfect balance. Following a warm, dry summer natural sugar levels were high and the fruit profile in the grapes was exceptional. We fermented the parcels separately to allow the expression of their respective sites to shine through (Wealden Clay vineyards in Sussex and a chalk-based vineyard in Kent). We selected 20% of the fruit to ferment in 5th fill French barrels for texture. The wines did not go through malolactic fermentation in order to retain the aromatic, floral and tropical notes characteristic of English Bacchus. The marriage of the different parcels, along with a small portion of barrel-fermented Chardonnay from our Henners vineyard gives the wine additional texture and palate weight.

TASTING NOTES

Gardner Street Classic has the classic floral, elderflower note we have come to know of contemporary Bacchus married with a touch of stone fruit from the Chardonnay. On the palate there's an abundance of red apple fruit, a touch of wild fennel with the barrel fermented Chardonnay giving mid palate weight and structure to a wine that ultimately finishes with a brisk, present acidity.

FOOD MATCH

Pork tenderloins in cider with a generous helping of mash and buttery veg, a veggie lasagne or a hake in butter sauce with capers.