Denbies is very pleased to announce the imminent release of its first vintage of  Sauvignon Blanc.  The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were planted four years ago on a three acre trial plot and this is the first year they have been in production, following the excellent 2013 harvest.

Sauvignon blanc is a green-skinned grape variety that originates from the Bordeaux region of France, but changing weather patterns means it can now be grown successfully in England.   Based on the success of the first harvest, Denbies have decided to expand the acreage of the sauvignon in 2015.

‘This first release of the sauvignon has been eagerly awaited by Denbies and this once again pushes the boundaries of English wine making.  Many years ago English vineyards were told that it would be challenging to grow pinot noir, chardonnay and yet we now produce internationally award winning wines from these grape varieties,’ commented Christopher White, Denbies General Manager, ‘Sauvignon Blanc is a very popular wine and it’s fantastic to think it can now be produced in the UK and sold on a commercial level.’

The 2013 vintage is a limited release of Bacchus/Sauvignon blanc, pale straw in colour with green tinges. The fresh and pungent nose of gooseberry, lime, elderflower and subtle hedgerow leads to a zesty and lively palate consisting of more lime and elderflower with a persistent crisp apple and herbal finish. This is an elegant wine with great complexity and integrity.

Denbies Vintage winemaker Mathieu  Elginza has carefully crafted the wine with each component fermented in French oak with one barrel of Sauvignon Blanc going through malolactic fermentation.

Denbies Wine Estate has an excellent reputation for producing award winning premium still wines.  In 2011 Denbies was awarded an IWC Gold ‘Best Rose in the world’ for its Chalk Ridge Rose 2010.  Last year Denbies achieved a first multiple gold award for its Noble Harvest Dessert wine 2011, an unprecedented achievement for an English dessert wine.

Following the excellent 2013 harvest , 2014 is also looking to develop into an even better year  for English Winemakers.  There was relatively little frost at optimum bud burst followed with record temperatures through July.   Denbies are expecting to commence harvest ten days earlier than normal.

The full range including the Bacchus/Sauvignon Blanc and Denbies Redlands, premium red wine will all be available from the end of September, a total of 10 still premium and 4 sparkling wines.