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13th Dec 2022
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Orange wine has seen a boost in popularity over the past few years. While there isn’t a huge number of English winemakers trying their hand at this ‘skin-contact’ wine, the majority of those who are have been producing wines of exceptional quality. This one, made by Lucy and Ben Hulland, is no exception.
“Making orange wine can be a little daunting as a winemaker because, due to the many variables, not least the wild ferment, no two orange wines taste the same,” explains Lucy. “Despite this we feel drawn to it as it gives us an opportunity to experiment with low intervention winemaking.”
Made from 100% chardonnay (possibly the only orange wine in England made solely from this grape), and wild fermented, the wine has notes of stone fruits, such as peach and nectarine, with a touch of vanilla, while the robust palate is suited to salty foods such as crisps, salted nuts, Manchego and blue cheese.
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.
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.
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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13th Dec 2022
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