Raise a glass

Credit: @saltwickmedia

If you're looking for something local to raise a toast with at your wedding, it might interest you to know that Mereworth Wines' bases its choice of vineyard plantings on compatibility with the climate, soil and topography; and that all of these factors lend themselves perfectly to the very three grape varieties used to make exceptional English Sparkling Wine. Chardonnay vines account for over half of the vineyard and you'll be able to enjoy their fruits in the form of Mereworth's White From White.

The Pinot Noir grape contributes to the new Sparkling Rosé and is the real backbone that gives it body and structure. With its thin skin resulting in a naturally delicate colour, Pinot Noir is particularly suited to cooler climates and thanks to improvements in the weather and vineyard management over the years Kent wineries are now giving France some competition. This variety brings distinctive aromas of red berries as well as flavours of cherries, elderberries and blackberries.

The third and perhaps least well-known in the trio of sparkling wine grapes is Pinot Meunier. Only four per cent of Mereworth's vineyard is given over to this variety, but that doesn't detract from the fact that it's an essential and versatile component. Adding bright acidity, deep fruitiness and a roundness of flavours, these grapes impart stone fruit flavours with hints of honey, walnut and coffee developing as the wine ages.
So, now you know your grapes it's time to try them for yourselves. Mereworth Wines' 2018 White From White and its 2019 Sparkling Rose are both available at www.mereworth.co.uk where you can order for collection or delivery.