Pale gold with fine bubbles, the nose is full of wild strawberries and raspberries, reminiscent of British summer fruits. On the palate, this delicate fruit is accompanied by complex flavours of toasted almonds, pastry and praline. The wine balances elegance and richness in perfect harmony, with refreshing acidity and a textured, decadent finish.
The Tillington vineyard is located in the middle of the South Downs National Park, on the narrow greensand strip formed during the Cretaceous Period. The geology is of prime importance here since it has determined the characteristics of the shallow soil above – excellent underlying drainage, low natural fertility – and influences the development of the vine roots. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines grow on a south-facing slope, ranging between a 5% and 10% incline to capture the sunlight. Every operation from pruning to picking is carefully performed so that the grapes reveal the site’s uniqueness. Winemaker Cherie Spriggs describes this plot as “something really magical.”