New Hall Wine Estate – Barons Lane White – 2021-22

Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
Rich in viticultural heritage, the first vineyards were planted in Purleigh, Essex in the Middle-Ages, where the vines flourished and supplied The Crown. Bill and Sheila Greenwood established the New Hall Wine Estate and planted their vines in Purleigh in 1969, which makes it one of the oldest commercial vineyards in the UK. The vineyard benefits from a special microclimate as Purleigh is one of the warmest and sunniest spots in the country, making it ideal for premium viticulture. The New Hall Wine Estate has 49 hectares under vine, one of the largest plantings of Bacchus in the UK and an impressive newly-built estate winery. The family-run estate is now in the hands of the third generation. The young, dynamic and internationally experienced team continue the family tradition of nurturing the grapes from the vine to glass, to produce awardwinning wines which showcase English Wine at its very best.

VINTAGE:
The 2021 vintage was not without its challenges. Cooler weather resulted in late budburst and consequently a later harvest than usually expected. The weather was cool towards the latter stages of ripening and as a result the vines produced fruit with vibrant acidity and zesty citrusy notes which result in a refreshing, mouthwatering blend.

VINEYARD:
The vines are planted on sheltered southern facing slopes in the Crouch Valley. The big skies with low rainfall and coastal breezes offer ideal climatic conditions. The vineyard is made up of London clay soils, from the Tertiary age, with chalk concealed below the clay deposits. Over the years this site has proven itself to be an almost ideal place for the growing of vines in England, producing above average crops of high quality grapes with naturally high sugars each year. The fruit for the Baron’s Lane white comes from the heritage vines that were planted during the 1970s and 1980s and each parcel of heritage vines are pruned in a bespoke and reactive manner, to ensure they retain optimal health, a balanced crop and longevity. The blend includes grape varieties which thrive in the English terroir: Schonburg, a crossing between Pinot Noir and Pirovano 1, which produces aromatic floral and lightly spiced flavours, Pinot Blanc and Huxelrebe, which produces aromatic, fragrant flavours. The fruit is harvested by hand when it has reached maturity.

WINEMAKING:
The fruit was fermented in the brand new winery at the estate. The grapes underwent a cool, steady fermentation in stainless steel tanks with carefully selected yeast strains which were hand-picked to complement and enhance the characteristics of each parcel and bring out the natural aromas and retain the pure varietal characteristics.

TASTING NOTE:
A dry, fruit-driven white blend showing pear, grapefruit and lemon with notes of honeysuckle and English hedgerow on the nose. Supple roundness with a slight saline minerality gives a mouthwatering, refreshing finish.

GRAPE:
Huxelrebe 77%, Pinot Blanc 13%, Schonburg 10%.

COUNTRY:
England

REGION:
Essex

SUB-REGION:
Crouch Valley