'Silurian' Grande Cuvee , Upper Southwood Estate 2023
'Silurian' Grande Cuvee , Upper Southwood Estate 2023 is a dry, light-bodied sparkling from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier (England), in the sparkling style. Acidity is fresh; oak influence is none. Good with aperitif, oysters, fish and chips, eggs. Organic farming is mentioned by the merchant.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louis Picamelot Cremant de Bourgogne Les Terroirs Brut Rose Louis Picamelot · Burgundy | £21.82 | |||
| Louis Picamelot Cremant de Bourgogne Espoutieres 2020 Louis Picamelot · Burgundy | £21.22 | |||
| Chateau Purcari Cuvee de Purcari Rose Brut Chateau Purcari · South Eastern | £22.94 | |||
| Mayerling Cremant d`Alsace Brut Rose / N.V. / La Cave de Turckheim · Alsace | £19.95 |
Upper Southwood Vineyard is situated in Shelsley Beauchamp in Worcestershire's idyllic Teme Valley, owned and run by viticulturalist enthusiast, Dan Calladine. Planted in 2021 on steep South facing slopes of fractured Silurian limestone and clay (Silurian limestone is the oldest limestone on the planet dating from over 420 million years ago). Well draining and rich in calcium and magnesium carbonates making it particularly well suited to producing English sparkling wine. Inspiration for the vineyard came from the family's children who unearthed Silurian brachiopod fossils scattered throughout the site. Predominantly organic techniques are used in the vineyard with a high investment in low yielding high quality clones of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier The inaugural 2023 vintage Silurian Grande Cuvee is a powerful blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay making it a perfect special occasion brut sparkling wine. It was picked by hand and whole bunch pressed prior to fermentation and cold stabilisation, then underwent ‘traditional method’ carbonation with a minimum of 18 months aging on the lees.