When two old friends, Nicholas Coates and Christian Seely, came across the chalk-rich Wooldings vineyard in the North Hampshire Downs, their plan was simple: use traditional Champagne methods alongside cutting-edge winemaking technology to reflect the unique terroir of this corner of southern England.
Just 80 miles north of the chalk hills of Champagne, the area enjoys virtually identical soil, geological structure and a substantially similar climate to its French cousin, which provide the ideal conditions for growing great Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. In the Autumn, grapes are carefully handharvested and taken to the winery, where a variety of modern and traditional winemaking techniques are employed, including the use of well-aged French oak barrels and concrete eggs.
