Bolney Wine Estate Pinot Gris 2020
Type: White
Country: England
Region: Sussex
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Gris
Alcohol Percentage: 13%
Climate: Maritime climate, one of the sunniest and warmest areas of England
Ageing: 50% of the hand-picked Pinot Gris grapes were crush-destemmed, and 50% whole-bunch pressed. The grape juice underwent cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks for approximately 14 days. Careful winemaking has ensured the retention of floral and fruity aromas
Color: Pale yellow
Nose: Fragrant aromas of citrus, apple, grapefruit, and pear, which follow through onto the palate
Palate: Elegant, refreshing and soft with a medium body. Delicate but with lots of concentrated stone fruit character, with pear and apricot and a touch of orange blossom and honey
About the Winery:
Rodney and Janet Pratt were pioneers of their time and all that Bolney is today is a testament to their grit and determination to go against the grain to fulfil their vision. Rodney, a chemical engineer who continued his professional career in the rubber industry alongside his vine growing, describes how he came to discover his passion for winemaking during placement at Gutenberg University, ‘We spent most of our six months in the vineyards of Louis Guntrum. He was the person who showed us all, there was a difference between Niersteiner Domtal, Liebfraumilch and Mateus rosé and real wine.’
Back on British soil, Rodney had a vision. “I had this marvellous idea – let’s go and find somewhere to live that’s got a few acres of ground and we can plant a vineyard, and I shall retire at 45.” With Janet’s support, they purchased a run-down smallholding, on the outskirts of the village of Bolney, north-west of Burgess Hill – and over 50 years transformed the Estate into what it is today.
Their dedication to the ethos ‘Guided by nature since 1972′ has helped this winery rise to become known as the pioneers of English wine whilst being awarded the UK Wine Producer of the Year in 2012.
