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Established in 1986, Denbies Wine Estate, located in Dorking,
Surrey, is England's largest vineyard with 265 acres of vines. The
estate can produce up to 500,000 bottles of sparkling and still wine
per annum and currently has a range of 12 wines.
As part of the ongoing vineyard development at the estate, three
hectares of Sauvignon Blanc have been planted. Clone 108 on Gravesac
rootstocks were chosen for early ripening and limestone tolerance.
The Sauvignon Blanc planting is part of Denbies strategy to move to
more premium dry white wine styles.
"There is always an element of risk with any new variety that is
introduced to the UK" commented John Worontschak, consulting
winemaker with Litmus wines who are working with Denbies on its
expansion plans. "Three hectares, although small in terms of
Denbies overall size is larger than the average English Vineyard! We
are confident with this great site that we will achieve full
ripeness. "
"It is our aim to move towards more complex and challenging
Northern European wine styles that will offer the consumer something
more at the top end than just fruitiness: the wine world has moved on
enormously and we are moving with it" Worontschak adds.
Chris White, MD concludes "This is exciting times for Denbies,
we have planted many varieties here that have been considered a risk,
20 years ago pinot noir was the major example and is now one of
England's premier varietals and an integral part of Denbies wine
production. Many English vineyards recently have concentrated solely
on sparkling wine growing, and although an important sector of the
market that we also compete in, as an industry, we should not abandon
the quest for truly great premium still wines." |
