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Grape Varieties: Bacchus

About:

Bacchus is a cross between Silvaner X Riesling and Müller-Thurgau.

The grape was created in the 1930s in the German region of Pfalz, though plantings have decreased by almost 75% in the last 15 years or so. The reason for this? In German climates the vines tend to produce grapes with high must weights (higher sugar levels) – the result is flabby wines lacking structure and balance.

However, English winemakers have increasingly adopted the grape, as our own climate tends to result in lower yields than Germany and, crucially, wines with higher acidity. Its growth tends not to be vigorous and requires less summer pruning than some other varieties. Disadvantages include relatively low yields and a poor fruit set in cold conditions.

Bacchus has fast become England’s signature still white grape variety. Taste characteristics include distinctive elderflower character along with grassy, herbaceous notes. In ripe years, tropical fruit flavours are evident. The variety does lend itself to oak treatment (Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Bacchus is a good example) and, lately, has been used to make varietal sparkling wines using the carbonation method.

White Wine

Winbirri Bacchus 2023

A classic Norfolk Bacchus, this is a zesty, grassy delight.

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White Wine

Wandering Wayfarer Bacchus 2022

A fruitful and aromatic Bacchus with subtle oak textures.

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White Wine

Flint Vineyard Fumé 2023

A beautifully grown-up Bacchus that’s full of citrus, floral and textured intrigue.

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White Wine

Highweald Ghyll Valley MV

Fresh lemon and lime zestiness commands attention that softens to creamy peach melba waves.

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White Wine

New Hall Single Estate Bacchus 2022

Crisp with vibrant acidity and limey zestiness with tropical richness of passion fruit and papaya.

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White Wine

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Bacchus 2021

Hints of nettle and a delicate layer of spiced oak lingering in the background.

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White Wine

Dillions Bacchus 2020

Waves of zesty citrus fruit and grassy tones, while the mid-taste brings ripe pears and a hint of tangy tropical fruit.

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White Wine

Adnams Bacchus 2019

Crispness explodes on the palate with a burst of lime and pungent tropical fruits.

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White Wine

Litmus Orange Bacchus 2019

A brilliantly complex, maverick Orange Bacchus that was fermented on skins for 16 weeks.

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White Wine

Woodchester Valley Orpheus Bacchus 2018

WOTM September 2019 Grassy and aromatic with plentiful tropical fruit richness thanks to the fantastic 2018 vintage fruit.

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White Wine

Denbies Ranmore Hill 2017

WOTM July 2019 A curious fusion of ripe peach, hints of lightly grilled tropical fruit, with a twist of lime & smoky notes.

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White Wine

Litmus Orange Bacchus 2016

A hugely distinctive and compelling wine with complex aromas of tropical fruit, grass and herbs.

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White Wine

Albourne Estate Bacchus 2018

Notes of thyme and sage add a savoury component that would pair well with many summer dishes.

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Non Traditional Sparkling

Chapel Down Bacchus Sparkling 2018

An intense fusion of tropical fruit, zesty citrus fruits and vibrant tropics that is immediately Bacchus-like, with added bubbles.

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Sparkling Wine

Denbies Sparkling Bacchus 2016

A fusion of pear, elderflower, zesty lime and gooseberry, with a softer, riper mix of light peach and honeydew melon.

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Non Traditional Sparkling

Albourne Bacchus Frizzante 2018

A very pure, dry expression of Bacchus but with the added lift of the light bubbles.

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White Wine

Winbirri Bacchus 2018

Bright, zingy lime and grapefruit flavours, with passion fruit and gooseberry notes.

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White Wine

M&S Bacchus Reserve 2017

A punchy palate, packed full of zingy citrus fruit, with papaya and guava tropics.

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White Wine

Hidden Spring Bacchus 2017

This wine is delicately textured, loaded with bright, zingy lime and grapefruit flavours.

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Non Traditional Sparkling

Flint Vineyard Charmat Rosé 2017

A first of its kind Charmat method sparkling Rosé from Flint Vineyard.

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White Wine

Chapel Down Kit’s City Bacchus 2016

A really grown-up wine that is more Pouilly-Fumé in style than it is New World Sauvignon Blanc.

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White Wine

Astley Vineyard Bacchus 2016

Zingy lime and pink grapefruit flavours up front, with lots of crunchy green apple.

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White Wine

Polgoon Newlyn School of Art Bacchus 2016

A vibrant a zingy special edition Bacchus with art from Newlyn School of Art.

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White Wine

Flint Vineyard Bacchus 2016

This Bacchus is lively and pronounced; a wonderful first vintage from this promising English Wine producer!

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