We’re proud to announce the launch of our first still Chardonnay. The 2020 vintage joins our Bolney Range, sitting in good company alongside our Estate Pinot Noir and Estate Pinot Gris.
Our Estate Chardonnay 2020 has been a long time in the planning, from identifying the ideal site within our Estate to planting the vines and patiently waiting for them to come into production. 2020 was an excellent year for ripening – the best we have experienced for a few years – which makes for perfect timing for our first still Chardonnay.
The cooler climate in the UK has resulted in the Chardonnay 2020 retaining more apple and citrus characteristics than Chardonnay grapes grown in warmer climates. Our Chardonnay is a textured, crisp white with citrus, apricot and orange peel, finishing with creamy brioche and honey.
With a summer of outdoor dining on the horizon, are we seeing the renaissance of Chardonnay? Chardonnay is a timeless variety, but the new varieties being produced are made in a fresher, more fruit driven style compared to a few years ago when they were very heavily oaked. This makes them the perfect choice for a chilled, summer wine to enjoy in the sun. The fresh, crispness of our Estate Chardonnay beautifully complements fish (particularly sushi), oysters, cheese, and summer fruit desserts, and it can also handle a hint of smokiness, so BBQ chicken is another highly recommended food match.
Sam Linter, our MD and Head Winemaker, says: “The last year has been more than challenging for everyone, but we’re so pleased that something positive has come out of it for Bolney and our customers with our 2020 grapes ripening to perfection. We are so excited to reveal our Chardonnay 2020, it really is the ultimate wine to enjoy in the sunshine and we hope people will fire up the BBQ or grab the picnic blanket and enjoy a Summer of Chardonnay with us.”