Court Garden Vineyard is a family run single-estate vineyard based in Sussex, England. Established in 2005, Court Garden Vineyard is a 17 acres vineyard with a south facing slop with the South Downs acting as a perfect backdrop. The vineyard is mainly planted with three classic varieties of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier for the production of English Sparkling Wine.
Court Garden also have Pino Gris, Ortega, Rondo and Pinot Blanc for use in their still wines. Two rare old Champagne varieties of Arbanne and Petit Meslier are grown as well.
In August 2021, Arthur (our Director) had the pleasure of meeting both Howard and Hugo (father & son) joint-owners of Court Garden Vineyard. Their warm, personal, and welcoming hospitality is the essence of a family run vineyard.
Hugo provided a tour of the vineyard, explained the varieties of grapes that is being grown on site. An interesting part of the tour was going through the process of making their English Sparkling Wine. From pressing, fermentation, to riddling and disgorgement. This is a lengthy process done with care and precision through the Traditional Method.
Arthur had the opportunity to try some of their vintages, that is currently available to purchase online HERE at Anteros Wine and Spirits. The selection includes:
- 2014 Blanc de Noirs (Extra Dry)
- 2014 Ditchling Duet Rosé
- 2015 Blanc de Blancs
- 2016 Classic Cuvée
Court Garden Vineyard was established in 2005, Manor of Ditchling Garden, from the middle ages to the reformation it was held by the monks at the priory in Lewes. After a short spell owned by the Crown the farm became known as Court Garden.
The farm appears on one of the earliest maps of Sussex, Yeakell and Gardner's map of 1778-1783, just to the north of Ditchling. Not much has changed in the landscape since then.
Court Garden Vineyard sparkling wines are all made using traditional grape varieties and bottle fermentation, where long ageing on the lees adds to the complexity of the flavour.
The family run single-estate vineyard based in Sussex, England. Established in 2005, Court Garden Vineyard is a 17 acres vineyard with a south facing slop with the South Downs acting as a perfect backdrop. The vineyard is mainly planted with three classic varieties of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier for the production of English Sparkling Wine. Court Garden also have Pino Gris, Ortega, Rondo and Pinot Blanc for use in tehir still wines. Two rare old Champagne varieties of Arbanne and Petit Meslier are grown as well.
COURT GARDEN VINEYARD
BLANC DE NOIRS
2014 Vintage
Description
The ‘Extra Dry’ classification is actually sweeter than Brut; a naturally high residual sugar level has brought a softer well rounded finish to this Blanc de Noirs aided by the long lees ageing and time spent in oak barrel.
This wine is often voted the favourite at our public tastings, also admired by the judges in the 2021 International Wines & Spirits Competition who awarded it a gold medal. The judges commented “Elegant, evolved, beguiling and classy nose.
Luxuriously aromatic with layers of tarte tatin, baked bread and fresh red apples. Packed full of tantalising perfection, a beautiful balance of sweetness to savoury backbone. Exceptionally classy”.
12.00% ABV
750 ml
Current Awards:
Previous Awards:
COURT GARDEN VINEYARD
BLANC DE BLANCS
BRUT
2015 Vintage
Description
The International Wine Challenge judges described the 2011 Blanc de Blancs as
“Gentle and elegant style. Sliced green apples and gala melon. Fine boned with persistent chalky length”. Court Garden Vineyard's wine is a celebration of the seasons; in 2015 a perfect Spring set an abundance of fruit which developed well in July, but a challenging Summer required a Green Harvest. This allowed Court Garden to finish with ripe fruit, albert with a smaller crop, producing some lovely wine. The perfect welcome drink; good on its own or accompanied by canapés.
12.00% ABV
750 ml
Current Awards:
Previous Awards:
COURT GARDEN VINEYARD
BRUT
2016 Vintage
Description
This is Court Garden's classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.
It has a pale silver lime-leaf green appearance, with continuous small bubbles. It is toasty, with under-ripe pineapple and greengage fruit behind; brut-style, balanced with creamy mousse and great freshness, and a long finish. This wine is brilliant as an aperitif on its own or wonderful paired with seafood.
12.00% ABV
750 ml
Previous Awards:
Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 Silver, Decanter World Wine Awards 2019 Silver, IWSC 2019 Silver, IWSC 2020 Bronze, IWC 2019 Bronze, IWSC 2018 Silver, Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 Silver, IWSC 2016 Silver, IWC 2016 Bronze, Decanter World Wine Awards 2015 Silver, IWSC 2015 Silver, Effervescents du Monde 2014 Silver, UKVA 2014 Silver, Sommelier Wine Awards 2015 Bronze, IWC 2015 Commended.
COURT GARDEN VINEYARD
BRUT
2014 Vintage
Description
For the first time we have introduced a Reserve Rosé; a delicious Pinot Meunier / Pinot Noir blend from the wonderful 2014 vintage. The wine has benefited from some long bottle ageing which adds a touch of luxurious richness. Interestingly the wine is disgorged with a zero dosage to keep it in the brut category, and maintain just the right freshness.
Court Garden's wine is a celebration of the seasons. After a cold, wet winter, 2014 was overall a warmer and drier year. In proper English fashion, August was very changeable but, a warm, dry September helped to produce a record year and excellent wine.
Long lees ageing has resulted in a soft mouse and complex berry fruit flavours. Not only is Court Garden's Ditchling Duet Rosé a wonderful aperitif, but it has the structure to pair well with food.
12.00% ABV
750 ml