Pinot Meunier 2023

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: the grapes were handpicked, and pressed in October. After low temperature fermentation to accentuate the thiol aromas the wine was left in tank over winter but not allowed to go to malolactic fermentation, the juice was very clear and required minimal fining and developed a rich aroma of red fruits with a soft creamy palate with crisp acidity. The wine was bottled in March 2024.

the grapes were handpicked, and pressed in October. After low temperature fermentation to accentuate the thiol aromas the wine was left in tank over winter but not allowed to go to malolactic fermentation, the juice was very clear and required minimal fining and developed a rich aroma of red fruits with a soft creamy palate with crisp acidity. The wine was bottled in March 2024.

The wine presents a light gold colour, with red fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry and a hint of black fruits, which gives a suggestion of what is to come but the succulent and creamy mouth feel is still a surprise balanced with fresh fruit flavours. It is well balanced with the higher acidity and lower alcohol compensated for by the intensity of fruit and creamy texture. Pink peppercorn spice to the finish.

Ceviche, Dover sole, 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.