County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month May 2024

Kingscote Rosé Brut N.V.

This month’s wine of the month is from Kingscote Vineyard, which was one of the first vineyards I started selling English sparkling wines from in 2017. Their first release of sparkling wine was Cuvée Christen, named after the original owner of the vineyard who sadly passed away just as his first sparkling wine was launched, which was a real shame after putting all of the effort into creating such a stunning vineyard. The original cuvee was made of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, and a wonderful introduction to many people of the potential from English sparkling wine.

Last month I was at the Houses of Parliament with Kingscote and Spirit of the Downs for a “Taste of Sussex”, arranged by Mims Davies MP, showcasing the best of Sussex wines and spirits to the rest of the UK.

The Kingscote vineyard is set over 70 acres of vines with many different varieties of grape in the ground. They have been operating organically since 2019 as sustainability and the environment is paramount, they want to protect the beauty and quality of the local land.

They produce wines of award-winning quality which are true to the magnificent 160 acre estate next to the historic Bluebell steam train railway and is set in stunning scenery surrounded with forests and abundant wildlife. Among the rolling hills there are a winding river, fishing lakes and organic apple orchard, and with over five kilometres of natural woodland walks, that can explore our breath-taking land at your leisure.

Kingscote Rosé Brut N.V. is made from 65% Pinot Meunier and 35% Pinot Noir with an alcohol level of 12% vol

Winemaker’s tasting notes

An exceptional expression of an original method English sparkling wine. Fresh acidity and luscious English summer fruits are abundant in this delightfully complex wine, boasting flavours of raspberry, strawberry and shortbread.

Michael’s tasting notes for Kingscote Brut NV Rose

Nose – Strawberry and cranberry, savoury note, delicate white pepper, yeasty notes

Colour – Light rose gold colour with fine and light bubbles

Palate – Strawberries and cranberries. Enjoyable acidity with light fruity lusciousness

Overall – Very enjoyable bubbles, great for any occasion. So easy to drink that I had two more glasses after the first

Food Pairing – perfect with chilled king prawns and marie rose sauce

In summary

Kingscote produce a wide range of quality affordable wines, both still and sparkling. It is well worth a wine tasting combined with a ride on the steam railway next door. Their Sylvan Bacchus is a lovely still wine well worth a try as are all of their other creations including their cider. Wines can be brought directly or from many locations in Sussex/

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.