Chapel Down (England) Flint Dry
Chapel Down is England’s largest grower and producer of wine, currently sourcing grapes from 180 acres, but on course to increase this to 1000 acres by 2010. For the Flint Dry, extended lees contact adds richness and texture to a wine made from a blend of grapes including Reichensteiner, Rivaner, Bacchus and Schonburger. In one sense an English take on Muscadet sur lie, this shows much more aromatics and lift then many Loire examples. The nose zings with crunchy apple, Sauvignon-like hedgerow aromas and zesty citrus. On the palate it broadens slightly, with a little oatmeally character to quite fat, mouthfilling fruit. But this wine is all about clean, crisp, mouthwatering freshness, and a green apple bite of juicy fruit and acidity makes sure of that. Lovely stuff. 6.99, Waitrose.