English Sparkling Wines
Harrow & Hope Blanc de Noirs 2019
Red berry aromas mingled with just-baked brioche, fresh and long
After the bold, broad, and almost brutish 2018 release, the 2019 is cut from a different cloth. A cooler and less abundant year suited the Pinot considerably better than the Chardonnay. 80% of this wine is fermented using natural wild yeast in a selection of different-sized oak barrels. It certainly has that signature Pinot intensity but is wrapped in an elegant and refined structure that is a hallmark of 2019. For those who remember 2015, this is very similar in structure and a wine that continues to develop a singular identity that makes it stand out from the crowd.
In their own words: “It’s not an easy style to master, as you have to be able to tame the naturally muscular and bold nature of Pinot Noir into an elegant and refreshing drink. We seem to have just got lucky planting this variety in the right spot and year after year, it is now giving us this lovely combination of fragrance with a sleek and refined structure. Unlike the 2015, this release is 100% Pinot Noir. This decision was taken to hone in on one particular part of the vineyard, where clay and chalk combine to give a complete wine without the need for blending varieties. It takes time to understand your vineyard and what areas consistently give the best results, but our knowledge has come a long way since the early years.”
Harrow & Hope’s single-vineyard sits on an ancient Thames gravel terrace. Being quite central and away from the coast the vineyard experiences high summer day temperatures with cooler nights that preserve precious acidity. This wine expresses everything that is great about Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier on their site, with pure fruit character, concentration, freshness and a lovely balanced texture.
