Each of the cuvées crafted at Breaky Bottom are dedicated to a close friend or relative. Each bottle is numbered. David Pearson supplied the first wine boxes to Peter and became a key member of the work-team until he died in July 2019. This classic blend of Chardonnay (70%), Pinot Noir (15%) and Pinot Meunier (15%) is named in his honour.
It has been given time on its lees and now shows rich aromas of vanilla, a creamy texture, hints of buttered toast and a refreshing acidity.
Peter Hall is a winemaking pioneer. He planted his Breaky Bottom (that's the real name, not something made up by a marketing department) vineyard in 1974 long before it was fashionable. To begin with he planted Seyval Blanc, mostly for its ability to ripen in the cooler British climate and later added the classic Champagne grapes Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Sussex has a warm climate and soil types similar to Champagne. Champagne lies on the 49th parallel north while the Sussex Weald lies on the 51st parallel north. Sussex has many south-facing slopes, which are suitable for growing the grape varieties found in sparkling wine, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Peter was a pioneer of English winemaking, planting his small six-acre vineyard in 1974. In that time he has learnt much about growing grapes in a difficult place, "I’ve come to appreciate that the best wine is made in the vineyard. The winemaker’s job is to let good grapes express themselves naturally."
Each year Peter makes two cuvées, one from Seyval Blanc and the other from Chardonnay and Pinots. Both are named for close friends.
The grapes, most commonly Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot meunier, are used to make several base wines that are assembled together to make Champagne, English Sparkling wine and other classic cuvée wines.
Champagne blends can also include Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Other appelations have rules about which grapes can be included.
Quick Shop
Quick Shop
Quick Shop
Quick Shop
