Name: Huxbear Orange Bear 2021, Devon
SKU: BTL-0248
Price: 20.25 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

Orange wine has become more familiar over the last few years, but it’s still a small field in England. Lucy and Ben Holland were drawn to it for the freedom it allows in the cellar, and this is a thoughtful, well-judged example rather than an exercise in extremes.

Orange Bear is made from 100% Chardonnay, with the juice left in contact with the skins during fermentation. It’s wild fermented and handled with a light touch, which means no two vintages are quite the same. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, and it’s something the producers are open about.

The aromas lean towards stone fruit, with peach and nectarine to the fore, alongside a gentle vanilla note. On the palate it has more grip and structure than a conventional white, but it stays balanced and drinkable rather than heavy or tannic.

Food Pairing

This is a wine that really comes into its own with food. It works well with salty, savoury flavours such as crisps, salted nuts, Manchego or blue cheese, where the texture and grip of the wine make sense. It’s also a good match for dishes where a normal white might feel too light, but a red would be too much.

Quick Info

Bottle Size: 75cl

ABV: 12%

Vintage: 2021

Oak Influence: Unoaked

BIN: BTL-0248

Vegan: Yes

Vegetarian: Yes

More Information

Ben Hulland, Huxbear Vineyard

Lucy and Ben started their vineyard from scratch following an idea inspired by a (possibly over-enthusiastic) wine tasting session. They sold up everything and moved to Brighton so that Ben could study winemaking at Plumpton College. After qualifying they found the perfect site in 2007 at Huxbear Farm near Chudleigh in Devon. The south-east facing slope offers ideal protection from late frosts.

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Devon, England

Devon's vineyards are situatued in the valleys and lowlands of south and east Devon. Mostly close to the rivers Exe, Teign and Dart.

The growing season is long, with sun and heat starting earlier and lasting longer than in many other English counties. This gives the grapes more time to ripen and more time to hang.

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Chardonnay

One of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, sparkling Blanc de Blancs to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak.

Depending on how ripe the grapes get, the flavour ranges from crisp, clean citrus and green apple, to ripe peaches and tropical fruit. Notable Chardonnays can be found in France, California, Australia, England, and beyond.

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