grape varieties:
WINE REVIEW
Denbies Wine Estate has approached Bacchus sparkling a little bit differently to Chapel Down and (last month’s) Albourne Estate. This is the first, to my knowledge, traditional method English Bacchus. It spent 18 months on lees and has a residual sugar of 8.5g/l.
I was worried that any yeasty, autolytic character would get in the way of the Bacchus aromatics, but was pleasantly surprised by how balanced this wine was.
With a fusion of pear, elderflower, zesty lime and gooseberry, the Denbies reminds you that this is Bacchus, while a softer, riper mix of light peach, honeydew melon. A pleasing length with a noticeably textured finish makes this yet another interesting take on the sparkling Bacchus concept, and well-priced too.
Other Wines by this Winemaker
Denbies Cubitt Blanc de Noirs 2015 Magnum
Weighty and structured, delivering on the promise of a bready, savoury mix with stone fruit pastry.
Denbies Cubitt Blanc de Noirs 2014
Delicious winter spiced notes that stands out with orange peel and spiced roasted almonds.
Denbies Vineyard Select Pinot Noir 2018
Cherry and ripe raspberry flavours, backed by dark chocolate and a crushed peppery spice.
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.
M&S Bacchus Reserve 2017
A punchy palate, packed full of zingy citrus fruit, with papaya and guava tropics.
Sainsbury’s TtD English Sparkling 2014
Probably the best mainstream own-label English wine on the market right now.
