Chardonnay 2022

Oastbrook's story is first of all based on the hard work and passion of winemaker and owner America Brewer. America originally hails from the Bahia region of Brazil. She now finds herself very happily settled in the English countryside with her husband Nick and daughter Gabby. She spends her days working the vines, alongside her faithful dog Lora, that she first planted back in 2018. They produce a range of award winning sparkling and still wines that reflect the exceptional micro-climate of the Rother Valley. Since its inception, Oastbrook has practiced sustainable winegrowing and winemaking. America is a firm believer in little intervention and soil health, and considers sustainability to be a generational notion. Oastbrook is a member of the new UK SWGB scheme for sustainable vineyard management. Winemaking Detail: 2022 was a warm year with a long hot summer. The grapes were handpicked, and pressed in October on their stems. An ambient ferment was allowed for the first 5 days and there was an extended low temperature ferment after which the wine was transferred to three year old Chardonnay barrels and left over winter and early spring but not allowed to go to malolactic fermentation. The wine was bottled in May 2023.

2022 was a warm year with a long hot summer. The grapes were handpicked, and pressed in October on their stems. An ambient ferment was allowed for the first 5 days and there was an extended low temperature ferment after which the wine was transferred to three year old Chardonnay barrels and left over winter and early spring but not allowed to go to malolactic fermentation. The wine was bottled in May 2023.

A light gold colour; a delicate bouquet of yellow plums; pear drops; honeysuckle. Almost tropical ripe and juicy notes with hints of vanilla. Rich but balanced; soft and very approachable. Honeydew melon, coconut and a peach yoghurt.

Butternut squash, Pan-fried scallops, Sea bass

Most English wine is produced in the south, where the majority of viticulture is centered as the climate is slightly warmer and drier. With a little help from global warming, the average annual temperatures are on the rise and the issues with grapes ripening that have long plagued England’s winemakers may soon become a thing of the past. But for now, the best regions for viticulture are along the southern strip of England’s coast, from Cornwall to Kent, and they share similar climates, soil types and grow an array of cool-climate suitable grapes varieties. Although some still wines are made, it is the traditional method sparkling that consistently captures people’s attention and also represents the majority of English wine production at over 65% of all wine made. Sussex is poised to become the first region to be awarded PDO status in England.