There’s been plenty of talk about warming climates and what that might mean for English wine. In South Devon, Chardonnay is now ripening reliably, and in the right hands it can produce wines with real balance and character.
Ben and Lucy Holland aren’t trying to copy Burgundy. Their aim is to make wines that feel rooted in Devon, shaped by local conditions rather than by a template. That said, it’s hard not to notice a passing resemblance here to the Mâconnais in the wine’s weight and shape.
“The Dancing Bear” is made from 100% Chardonnay and aged in oak barrels, which gives the wine a rounded, settled feel. The colour is pale yellow. On the nose there’s peach, honeydew melon and pineapple. The palate is smooth and balanced, with stone fruit joined by gentle spice, butter and a touch of coconut. The oak is present, but it supports the fruit rather than taking over.
Food Pairing
Serve this very slightly chilled. It works well with roast chicken, particularly where there’s a bit of browning or richness on the plate. Too cold and you’ll lose the detail, so give it a few minutes out of the fridge before pouring.
Quick Info
Bottle Size:
75cl
ABV:
11.5%
Vintage:
2020
Oak Influence:
Oaked
BIN:BTL-0028
Current Stock:21
Vegan:Yes
Vegetarian:Yes
Style:White Wine
Style:Rich & Textured Whites
More Information
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.
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.
