Not many people associate England with the production of wine. However, with global warming, England has an emerging wine industry centred around the Sussex region, with a focus on sparkling wine made in the Traditional Method.
Fiona and I, spent time undertaking a winemaking course at Plumpton College, which is the centre of wine education in England. We also visited a start-up contract winemaking facility, Freshfield Winery in Freshfield, West Sussex.
During this visit we had the opportunity to visit a number of wineries including Leonardslee Wine Estate in Mannings Heath, Horsham and Rathfinny Wine Estate (www.rathfinnyestate.com) in Alfriston, East Sussex. Rathfinney’s Sussex Sparkling was the standout wine for us on this trip.
As the English wine industry is in its relative infancy, the quality of their wines is a long way behind the sparkling of Champagne. Due to the cold and wet climate, the winemakers need to frequently adjust sugar levels and other aspects in the winemaking process. The industry is however very enthusiastic and we would expect to see a constant improvement in the quality of their wines over time.
If you are in this part of the world do yourself a favour and book at table at the Michelin rated The Pass restaurant at South Lodge (www.exclusive.co.uk).
Chef Ben Wilkinson does an excellent job, and the wine list is one of best structured small international wines lists we have ever encountered with everything from Furmint to Alberino to Xinomavro to the usual French and Italian varieties.
