County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month September 2024

Bolney Estate English Vines Rose 2023

This month’s Wine of the Month is from Bolney Wine Estate, based in West Sussex next to the village of Bolney. Established in 1972 by Janet and Rodney Pratt, it was one of the first, and remains one of the most beautiful, English wine estates with lots of walkways and bridle paths crossing it. Janet and Rodney were pioneers. Guided by nature, the mild climate and the sandstone soil, they discovered the best varieties of grapes to grow in their ecosystem. The team now produces award-winning still and sparkling wines from the famous Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to classic sparkling Bolney Bubbly and Blanc de Blancs.

Focus on the making sustainable wines

In late 2021 the estate took a big step on its sustainability journey, receiving a sustainability accreditation from the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Certification Scheme for the new winery. Sustainable Wine of Great Britain has the vision to create a strong and vibrant community within the English and Welsh wine industry that actively promotes sustainability with the business.

English Vines Rosé 2023

Bolney English Vines Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir with an alcohol level of 12% volume

Winemaker’s tasting notes

Early strawberries, fresh peach and peach blossom.

A versatile rosé with notes of strawberry, watermelon and peach blossom. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, it’s perfectly balanced with gentle acidity and a dry finish.

Enjoy over long lunches, as an aperitif or to accompany dinner. Pairs perfectly with dishes including chicken and chorizo paella, shrimp ceviche and creamy smoked-salmon pasta.

Michael’s tasting notes for Bolney English Vines Rose

Nose – Strawberry, peach, cranberry and summer fruits

Colour – Rose Gold

Palate – This is a dry Rose, initially we have strawberries and cranberry followed with a lemon citrus backbone with fruity finish

Overall – A Pinot Noir rose which captures vibrant summer flavours and is the perfect wine for an Indian summer’s day.

Food pairing – this wine would work well with all types of seafood, perfect with pan fried salmon

In summary

I liked this rose wine at a slightly warmer temperature rather than straight out of the fridge. It brought out more of the fruitiness of the wine. Bolney Estate not only produces still and sparkling wines but also sells its own Bolney Gin, together with a Blanco and Rosso Vermouth and Negroni mixer which are well worth a try and create some amazing cocktail combinations.

The wine is available direct from Bolney Wine Estate or from selected outlets at around £30 a bottle. The wine estate runs tours and tasting throughout the year, see bolneywineestate.com

Michael Yeoman, Founder of Brighton and Hove Wine Club

Michael Yeoman specialises in working with small batch wine producers in and around Sussex and the South Downs. He founded Brighton and Hove Wine Club and also creates a range of small batch Sussex Brandies, grape spirits and vodka through Spirit of the Downs Distillery based at Bookers Vineyard, Bolney.