WINE REVIEW
Located just outside Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, I had first visited the vineyard four years ago and met with owner Ian, who planted the vineyard in 2019 with his wife Tess. Regenerative Viticulture is a big focus at JoJo’s, and cutting-edge technology plays a significant role too. Think real-time plant sensors, robots, drone spraying, and bio-acoustic sensors that listen to the insects in the soils beneath the vines.
Premier Cuvée 2021 is one of a pair of first sparkling wine releases made from the first harvest at JoJo’s. It’s a blend of 48% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir (including some Meunier), and 16% Pinot Blanc. Winemaking is as low-intervention as possible. The primary fermentation was with indigenous yeast, and the Premier has zero dosage, but remains surprisingly supple and approachable.
This is immediately appealing on the nose, with the signature nutty complexities of winemaker, Tommy Grimshaw, dancing on top of red apple. peach skin and almond nougat.
The palate is lively and brisk and rather impressively delivers smooth, silky textures with ripe red apple and peachy tones. There’s a wonderful saline and nutty quality on the finish, with just a touch of spice.
This is one of the most accomplished sub-£50 English sparkling wines I’ve had. Bravo, Ian and Tommy!
