WINE REVIEW
Last month I had the pleasure of attending the UK Vineyard Association’s 50th Anniversary. It was an auspicious event, hosted by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House. As well as the wonderful company of HRH and many of the industry’s top winemakers and business leaders, the evening was accompanied by a few glasses of this delightful Highgrove English Sparkling.
The current release is made from the three classic Champagne varietals, organically grown and harvested in the Weald of Kent by Herbert Hall in 2014.
With a slightly toasted golden colour in the glass, the bubbles are tiny but lively and persistent – a sign of this wine’s refined beauty.
The nose on this wine is light and elegant; light citrus and fresh green apple aromas with hints of pastry.
On the palate, this wine is suitably demure; a soft soothing mousse partners a modest but brisk acidity. Flavours of freshly picked orchard fruit lead to a dry subtle finish of lemon zest and almond.
It’s a pure clean expression, but the soft mouthfeel makes the Highgrove Sparkling a thoroughly enjoyable experience throughout.
