Native Grace is Henners’ barrel-fermented Chardonnay, made only in years where the fruit has the ripeness and balance to carry the style. 2020 was one of those years, and this is a confident English white with real structure.

Only the most expressive parcels were selected by winemaker Collette O’Leary, looking for flavour development alongside the natural acidity that English Chardonnay does so well. The grapes were hand harvested and pressed straight to barrel for fermentation, using a mix of new and older French oak. The wine then spent six months in barrel before being blended, bottled in late 2021, and rested again before release.

In the glass it shows apple, lemon and stone fruit, with a citrus line running through it. The oak brings gentle toast and a buttery note, but the wine stays fresh and composed. On the palate it’s creamy and textured, with delicate spice and a clean finish. The acidity gives it the balance to age, but it already drinks well.

Food Pairing

This is a proper food wine. It works well with roast chicken, grilled fish, and dishes with a bit of richness, such as a cheese soufflé, where the wine’s texture matches the food and the acidity keeps everything in line.