We come today to the production company visits and tastings made on site with our selections.

After the two lengthy introductions (those who missed them can click here for the first installment and here for the second), we finally come to the “concrete” part of my trip, that is, the winery visits and the wines tasted. I reiterate the comment from the first day: English Sparkling Wine: amazing!

These companies visited:

At the bottom of the article you will find for each winery the sparkling wine (two in the case of Hattingley) that I think is most suitable for a report.

Hattingley Valley

Among the main companies and among the main producers. Currently about 70 percent of production is “in-house” while 30 percent is third-party with a dutiful focus on product diversification and enhancement of corporate identity. Own-branded about 250,000 bottles per year.

Enologically speaking, the winery was born with Emma Rice, head wine maker practically from the beginning. The only woman twice awarded the title of best English winemaker, Emma has been able to listen to this land and convey its potential. She leaves the scepter to Robert MacCullock MW, who after numerous experiences abroad returns home and with a different but very profound sensibility, continues to embellish and add value to the company’s production.

Black Chalk

Recent independent reality, well structured in terms of cultivation, production and reception with tasting room, wine shop, dining space and event location (go see the circular vineyard).

About 80,000 bottles per year, divided into 6 labels including 4 bubbles.

The Grange

A virtuous example of a company that has detached itself from a larger entity it relied on and is wisely taking the right steps to become increasingly independent. Zam Baring is the youngest of the four brothers at the helm of the farm. Farm that identifies with the “regenerative” approach.

Zam is a person with whom it seems you can talk about anything, modest in his answers actually misses no opportunity to emphasize the consistency of his thinking between passion for wine and entrepreneurial skills.

All Angels

Here you can get a taste of the hospitality I was telling about yesterday. Everything is designed to put you at ease, and the hosts’ welcome will make you feel like family. The wines are characterful, knowing no half-measures. In my opinion, the style is quite challenging, and I suggest pairing them with food.

Breaking the mold, however, is the Rosé, from Rondo and Pinot Gris. The one tenacious and rustic, the other more accepting and slightly aromatic find surprising agreement and union in the bottle. For winemaking they rely on Hattingley.

Raimes

I admit to having developed a soft spot for this winery. The consistency of image, wines and wines with each other sparked the spark. Vine cultivation was born alongside other agricultural activities. The management is family-oriented and their tasting room is really cozy.

They make wine at Hattingley, where they have been able to read the winery’s idea of wine very well. The consistency among the wines makes it difficult for me to single out one out of all of them, so I will choose the most unusual, which happens to be something of an obsession of mine.

The winery produces 5 classic methods, with different blends and dosages. The pinnacle of elegance is their demi sec. Integral and with lively acidity, it can be creamy and mouthwatering to the point with deep semi-candied notes.