County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month August 2025

Nutbourne Vineyard – Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2022

This month, I revisited a local vineyard I hadn’t been to in a number of years – Nutbourne. On my first visit, I was impressed by the wide range of wines available, and this time we had no fewer than eleven to try. I’ve always loved their sparkling wines – both the traditional Brut (which recently won a Gold Medal at the Wines of Great Britain Awards) and the more fruity, slightly lower alcohol (10.5%) Wild Nutty.

On this occasion, I tried their barrel-aged Chardonnay – a style which, in the hands of many winemakers, often ends in disappointment due to either too much oak or too little. But when I tried this wine, I was blown away. What an outstanding bottle! It reminded me of a fine Burgundy – something like a Chassagne-Montrachet – which is high praise indeed.

A Bit About the Vineyard

Vines were first planted at Nutbourne in 1979, and it has been owned and managed by the Gladwin family since 1991. In their own words, the terroir at Nutbourne is a unique and ideal wine-growing environment – a warm microclimate protected by the South Downs, gentle south-facing slopes, and the same fertile green sand soil found in much of the Champagne region in France.

The Winemaker’s Notes

This wine is made from two vintages (primarily 2022) of Chardonnay grapes, fermented in aged French and American oak barrels and matured for a further 12 months. The result is a fine, complex wine. A dry white with a delightful, bright bouquet of yellow apple, crisp citrus, and peach flavours, it offers a rich, creamy texture and a lasting honeyed finish.

Michael’s Tasting Notes

Nose – On the nose, there’s a burst of citrus, with lemon leading the way, supported by a hint of grapefruit and the sweetness of honeysuckle.

Palate – This is a beautifully made dry white wine. Alongside a core of citrus, there are wonderful tropical fruit notes – lychee and white peach shine through. These, combined with the subtle complexity of oak from maturation in French and American barrels, come together brilliantly.

Varietal – 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol – 11.4%

Food Pairing for This Cuvée

An excellent match for seafood and creamy fish dishes – lobster in particular pairs superbly.

Where to Buy?

This wine is priced at around £20 a bottle and is widely available from various Sussex wine retailers. It can also be purchased directly from the vineyard or via their website: https://nutbournevineyards.com

Written for County Business Club by Michael Yeoman – English wine specialist and producer of Spirit of the Downs, award-winning local artisan Sussex brandies, grape vodkas, and Boosy Barista Coffee Liqueur.