rating B-

standout largest producer in England

about Chapel Down is the largest producer in England, making both still and sparkling wine as well as gin, vodka, and beer. They're based in Kent, "the garden of England," less than 400km north from the heart of Champagne with similar chalky soils. At the forefront of English wine production, the winery was established in 1992 after buying a property established by Stephen Skelton, the doyen of English wine. The one million bottle (83,000 case) production arguably dilutes quality, however.

wines tasted

Classic Brut NV ($45)

The fruit comes from vineyards across the south of England in Kent, East Sussex, Essex, and Dorset, where there are varied chalky, clay, and loam soils. The wine receives six months' lees ageing before bottling, and then another 18 months' lees contact in the bottle. To balance the high acidity in England's cool climate, there is a dosage of 8.5g/L which gives the wine an extra weight and richness. I’ve found some inconsistency across bottles, particularly in oxidation.

website https://www.chapeldown.com

email retail@chapeldown.com

phone +44 1580 763033

address Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG