HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GRAPE VARIETIES
PICKING THE BEST GRAPE VARIETIES FOR OUR ARTISAN ENGLISH WINE
At Tanhurst Estate we grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir Precoce, Cabernet Cortis and Sauvignon Blanc. These grape varieties suit the climate and growing conditions here at Leith Hill in Surrey and help to make our English wine distinctive and of exceptional quality.
Our artisan wines are made solely from the grapes we grow and harvest from our own vineyards and this means we can ensure that only the best quality grapes make the cut.
LEITH HILL TERROIR
The soil conditions in England play a crucial role in the quality and characteristics of the wines produced. Our terroir, which includes the soil type, climate, and topography, contributes to the flavours and aromas found in our wines.
HOW DO WE GROW GRAPES HERE IN SURREY?
Vines need the right conditions to grow and thrive. England’s cool climate means we need to carefully choose the grape varieties that will develop flavour and complexity and yet also maintain vibrancy and freshness. We do now have a longer growing season to counteract some of the lack of warmth and this allows grapes to ripen slowly all the way through to harvest. Also, viticulture in England mainly takes place in the south, where the climate is slightly warmer and drier but is across the whole country now to a lesser extent.
WHICH GRAPE VARIETIES DO WE GROW IN OUR ENGLISH VINEYARD?
The primary grapes grown by Surrey winemakers like us are the traditional Champagne grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. At Tanhurst we are also now growing Cabernet Cortis and Sauvignon Blanc.
Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines in England. It is known for its crisp, citrus and green apple flavours, and mineral notes.
Pinot Noir is a red grape used in still and sparkling wines and has delicate aromas of red fruit, earthy notes, and silky tannins. English Pinot Noir is fresh, light, juicy and fragrant.
Pinot Meunier is a red grape which can produce wines with a fine mousse, delicate red fruit aromas, and a crisp acidity.
Pinot Noir Precoce is a dark blue-black variety of grape, ideal for growing in cooler climates.
Sauvignon Blanc is a green skinned grape which produces a crisp, dry and refreshing white varietal wine.
Cabernet Cortis is a dark-skinned grape variety which ripens early and produces intense wines with rich, complex aromas and notes of dark fruit and spice.
WHAT MAKES ENGLISH WINE SPECIAL?
Thanks to the specific climate and soil conditions in England, English wines have a distinct flavour profile. The cooler, wetter climate means that the grapes ripen more slowly, resulting in a more delicate and nuanced flavour
Our climate and soil
The high levels of rainfall, warm days and cold nights and a longer growing season from April to October combine to make a unique yet ideal climate for growing grapes with a fresh, complex flavour and unique character.
High quality winemaking methods
Many English winemakers, like us, use traditional methods, such as hand-picking and gentle pressing, to ensure the highest quality grapes. Attention to detail and time-honoured techniques also help to produce outstanding wines.
Environmental sustainability
Most English vineyards are committed to being environmentally sustainable and reducing their carbon footprint by sourcing locally and using renewable energy sources.