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FROM THE SOUTHEAST OF ENGLAND, A TERROIR SIMILAR TO CHAMPAGNE…
The SouthEast coast of England is synonymous with the white cliffs of Dover. It is this iconic chalk soil, the same as that of Champagne – approx. 200 miles to the south, coupled with a cool climate all year long that enables Chapel Down to produce truly world-class sparkling wines from classic varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The first vineyards were planted in the 1970’s and the company now owns approx. 200 acres of vineyards across Kent, where the winery is located, and also Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Essex.
TRADITIONAL BOTTLE FERMENTATION (METHODE CHAMPENOISE)
After primary fermentation, the blended wine is bottled and a ‘liqueur de tirage’ (a mixture of sugar and yeast) is added. The bottle is sealed during the secondary fermentation process, which produces carbon dioxide and alcohol within the bottle. The wine is left aging on its lees (4½—5½ years minimum for Three Graces) to enhance the complex aromas and creamy mouthfeel. The wine is riddled and disgorged to remove the dead yeast cells and a ‘dosage’ is added in order to adjust the style of the finished wine.
EXCELLENCE ACCLAIMED BY WINE LOVERS IN THE UK AND BEYOND…
Chapel Down is the most awarded English winery. Its wines are served at Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street andother leading British institutions, including The Royal Opera House, The London Symphony Orchestra and The Donmar Warehouse Theater. Chapel Down is praised by iconic chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver. Over 50,000 visitors from all over the world visit Chapel Down’s winery in Tenterden, Kent each year.