Hattingley Valley Wine Estate
United Kingdom
Simon Robinson, think-tank and landowner behind Hattingley Valley is depicted here at the Mad Hattingley Tea Party appropriately seated at the head of the table. Following his decision to turn 25 acres of chalky south-facing fields into vineyards, the Estate has not once looked back.
Of course, there was more than one hurdle to conquer, Simon needed an experienced Vintner for a start not coming from the World of Wine himself. In 2008 he met a young lady who was to play not only a huge role in the success of the business, but also to invest an awful lot of Simon's money. I note, in a positive fashion.
On a recent visit back home travelling from Oxford to the South-Coast, I decided to take a spontaneous short detour to the Hattingley Valley Estate Winery which turned out to be slightly more than just a short detour but a very good decision. It is situated well off the beaten track, a fact which should most definitely NOT deter you from visiting yourself.
Coming off the A34 just North of Winchester you'll hit one of those narrow, bracken and bramble lined country lanes - the sort which have hidden dry stone walls just waiting to jump out at you. Thank God for passing places, was all I could think on my way there.
The following statement, photographed at the winery, I agree with and support 100%.
Hattingley Valley, tucked away between the North Essex Downs and the Hills of Surrey, lies in an area of natural English beauty and looking hard enough, you'll find Chalky Hill - home to countless and exceptionally healthy-looking vineyards.
Under the guidance of their then Head Winemaker Emma Rice, Hattingley Valley has become one of the best equipped and most advanced Wineries in the UK.
Back in 2008 though, the birth of the Wine Estate Project painted quite a different picture than the one seen today.
Originally the location of a Chicken Farm and formally abandoned Industrial site, the Hi- Tech Winery gives thanks to a combination of Emma's experience, her guidance, choice of high-quality equipment and know-how and of course, the contents of Simons` pocket with completion being achieved 2010, just in time for their first harvest. The History behind the Estate is unique and certainly worth reading about, an excellent example of innovation, diversity and forward-planning. Their success and rightly so, also thanks to a hardworking team.
Today, the Hattingley Valley Estate has long since established itself as one of the UK’s
most successful wineries, winning over 130 medals, 14 trophies, and Best in Class for its English sparkling wines.
Recognised for their ingenious and dynamic approach to wine-making and enjoyed not only throughout the UK but also internationally thanks to Commercial Director Gareth Maxwell, their wines are now exported to no less than 16 countries worldwide.
With concentration remaining on quality and sustainability, Emma handed over the reins to Hattingley's present Head Winemaker and Master of Wine Rob Macculloch in 2022, himself a man with 20 years of international experience up his sleeve.
Although I recommend booking a tour in advance and understandably much preferred by the Estate, Jayne, on duty that morning gave me a very friendly welcome, as did Mr. Green but also kindly took the time to show me around the premises and introduce me to the Portfolio of first-class wines.
At the same time a team of local restaurant employees were being given an exclusive and educational guided tour of the Estate and a lesson on Wine-Making, training I personally find of utter importance for all working in the Drinks Trade particularly when serving wine.
As the name suggests, Chalky Hill boasts flinty loam and chalk soils, the ideal bedrock for many Grape Varieties but especially for those needed to produce a good sparkling wine, such as Chardonnay and Pinot-Noir.
High standards, traditional methods and modern-day technology in combination with the use of high-quality French oak - tight-grained, medium toasted and hand-crafted by experienced Cooper François Frères from the heart of Burgundy in France, secure Hattingley Valley continued success for the future.
I can imagine the French have been quaking in their boots for some time now and quite rightly so.
UNAPOLOGETICALLY BRITISH
What a brilliant statement.
Not wanting to leave the Estate without a purchase, I chose just two Wines, my first mistake of the day- I should have taken more considering I had my car!
STILL by Hattingley, Reserve Chardonnay 2020 and Classic Reserve Brut NV 2017 English Sparkling Wine.
The Chardonnays' special character I put down to its partial oak maturation. In the glass a beautiful pale golden colour, on the palate a mouth full of citrus fruits, ripe apple and melon, a hint of honey and spice and an extremely pleasant creamy long-lasting finish – for me, a wine to be enjoyed with friends.
Thumbs up.
My curiosity and impatience also meant the Classic Reserve lasted just long enough to reach an optimal drinking temperature. Wonderfully lively Perlage accompanied by a beautiful golden colour and soft yeasts, this sparkling literally exploded on reaching the nose already.
A mouth full of juicy exotic fruit, the lively acidity with just enough residual sugar to take away that sharpness hit my palate to perfection. A mature and complex sparkling wine with age-potential.
Proudly made in Great Britain. Well done, you should be just that.
I thank the Team, at least the ones I had the pleasure of meeting, for their help and hospitality on my brief spontaneous visit and look forward to hearing lots more news, also to revisiting in the not-too-distant future.
Kind and grateful regards from Germany,
Gail
Contact: Hattingley Valley, Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Nr Alresford SO24 9AJ
Fotocredits: © GailTreuer & Hattingley Valley
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