Flint Vineyard Silex Blanc 2021

Silex (French for Flint) is a refined white wine, blended from Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Blanc (40%). It has been produced in a classical style, being gently whole bunch pressed and fermented and aged in 3-year old barrels sourced from Pouilly-Fuissé.  Partial malolactic fermentation lends softness and complexity whilst retaining a fresh perfume. There is careful use of skin contact (grape skins in contact with the fermenting juice). On the nose the wine is bursting with apricot, yellow apples and hints of honeysuckle, leading to a concentrated finish of raisin and shortbread. It has a silky, oily texture (almost umami like) meaning it excels when paired with food.  It can be enjoyed now but will age beautifully for up to 5-7 years, gradually softening and revealing more complexity over time. No fining agents have been used so the wine is vegan friendly and gluten free. Based in the sunny and sheltered Waveney Valley in South Norfolk, overlooking the villages of Earsham and Bungay, Flint Vineyard‘s winemaker Ben Witchell crafts wines using a blend of innovation and a respect for tradition. The vineyard site was selected as one of the driest and sunniest regions in England and the south-east facing vines are planted on free-draining gravel and flint soil.