Christmas WineWhich Sussex wine will you choose this Christmas? When selecting Christmas wine, we like to treat ourselves and try to buy locally, and not just at our local supermarket. Ultimately the wines that you select will be based on what you know that you enjoy drinking. Some purists may suggest that with turkey you should drink a white wine, but many argue that a good red wine can really enhance a Christmas dinner.
A few months ago this family business won the prestigious Wine of the Year Award which was awarded to their Knightsbridge 2006, a Blanc de Noir. Altogether, Ridgeview scooped 3 of the 11 gold medals in the national competition and three trophies, including Winemaker of the Year. To read their press release following this success, click here. At £24.95 per bottle, Knightsbridge 2006 is clearly not a wine for everyday. In fact, I don't think there's ever been a day when we've chosen to spend quite so much on a wine. However, as a celebration wine for an important occasion, it should be a winner! A blend of a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Meunier, this sparkling wine brings 'a full round nose with a generous mouth feel...The depth of fruit makes the taste very long', according to Ridgeview's description. It is also possible to visit Ridgeview; it is currently open Monday-Saturday 11am to 4pm.
Organic Sussex WinesIf you prefer to eat and drink organic, then maybe you will be able to find a suitable Christmas wine from Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, which is situated about 8 miles north of Hastings. This East Sussex vineyard has been producing wine organically for twenty-five years, and is the oldest organic vineyard in the country. You can read a Daily Telegraph article about the history of Sedlescombe and its organic credentials here. Apart from not using any pesticides or herbicides, organic vineyards do not use some of the additives and wine making aids which are permitted for conventional wines. In addition, sulphites, which are used to prevent premature aging of wines have to be kept to less than half the amount allowed for ordinary wines. Some people claim that it is this adherence to organic practices which makes organic wines less likely to provoke headaches. Which of these organic wines would make a good Christmas wine?If you like red wine, you may want to consider Regent 2008, which is described as 'A bold, medium-bodied red wine matured in barrique oak barells for 5 months. Robust colour, smokey, fruity bouquet, loaded with blackberry and raspberry fruit flavours, ample tannins and oaky complexity. Just won a highly commended by the UKVA.' However, if you prefer a slightly less powerful accompaniment to your Christmas dinner, then you might want to consider their 2008 Rose, which is 'Fragrant, fruity and well-balanced'. You can check out these Christmas wines and other possible alternative organic options on the
Sedlescombe site.
Sussex Christmas
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BBC Storyville 5-part series
'A Very English Village'
Dir. Luke Holland
'Going for the Kill'
BBC documentary on hunting and farming in Sussex
