It's been suggested that the changing climate will make South Devon the new Burgundy. As the temperature warms, classic Burgundian grapes such as Chardonnay are ripening perfectly in these slightly more northern environments,
Ben and Lucy Holland would never claim to be copying the French. Their desire is to make wines which are distincitvely Devonian (although one could argue that is what the French term "terroir" is all about, making wines which are of their place).
There is no denying though, that Huxbear "The Dancing Bear" Chardonnay has echoes of the Mâconnais. It is made from 100% Chardonnay and has been aged in oak barrels.
The colour is pale yellow. The nose is peach, honeydew melon and pineapple. On the palate it is smooth and balanced, with further notes of stone fruits, cinammon, butter and coconut.
Served very slightly chilled (too cold and the flavours are lost). Ideal with roasted chicken.
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 crips, clean citrus and green apple, to ripe peaches and tropical fruit.
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