Raimes Vineyard launches first wine
Hampshire is now recognised as one of the world's leading sparkling wine producing regions. This month Raimes Vineyard will release its first wine. Nestled in the chalky hills of the South Downs near Tichborne, three classic champagne grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are grown, tended and harvested by hand by the Raimes family. The result is an elegant, pale gold, fresh and well balanced sparkling wine, bottle fermented in the traditional method.
Augusta and Robert Raimes are the fifth generation of the family to farm the fields which are now flourishing with vines. Together with the land farmed on the historic Tichbourne Estate, the farm stretches from the protected and ecologically diverse water meadows of the River Itchen, to the grassy rolling hills of the South Downs near Winchester. This busy working farm grows wheat, barley and oilseed rape. The grassland is home to a herd of traditional pedigree horned Hereford cattle.
The south facing slopes of the farm share the chalk substratum of the vineyards in the Champagne region. This terrior lends a particular minerality which helps to achieve a delicate balance of ripeness, acidity and berry aroma.
Peter Richards MW and Susie Barrie MW said “people will love it, it is very easy drinking with fine bubbles and a lively, spicy and interesting nose”. With the expertise of Emma Rice and Jacob Leadley at Hattingley Winery the Raimes’ have produced a timeless classic that perfectly reflects the beauty of their Hampshire farm.
The 2013 Blanc de Noirs will be launched at the Winchester Wine Festival on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November 2016. Shop online with free Hampshire delivery on orders of six or more bottles. Shop here. Priced £29.95.
