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. Yet even as varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have gained in popularity, Breaky Bottom is still planted with 60% Seyval Blanc.
As a still table wine Seyval Blanc can be a little underwhelming. Yet Peter's English sparkling wine has been described as "effervescent magic" by wine critic Jancis Robinson.
Each of the cuvées crafted at Breaky Bottom are dedicated to a close friend or relative. Each bottle is numbered. Jack Pike helped Peter plant the vineyard in 1974 and this wine is named in his memory.
The wine has spent four years on its lees. It has a fine balance of fruit and acidity. Delicate aromas of fresh elderflower, green apple and white flowers make this a truly ‘English’ sparkling wine that is aging beautifully.
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.
Quick Shop
Quick Shop
Quick Shop
