THE VINES
PIWIs
The biggest challenge to growing grapes in the UK is the cool damp climate (most years!) with the main disease challenges being mildews and Botrytis. In a conventional vineyard these are controlled by quite aggressive spray programs. For example, in France the vineyard industry uses 20% of all the agrochemicals used in France while covering only 4% of agricultural land.
So in order to support our organic approach we decided to plant “PIWIs”. These are specially developed hybrids from Switzerland which are disease resistant.
OUR VARIETIES
CABERET NOIR
A hybrid cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and another undisclosed variety!
It produces a medium body wine with an amazing complexity on the nose with spices, juniper bay, red fruits and a very subtle oak profile.
SAUVIGNIER GRIS
Souvignier Gris is a German PIWI bred in 1983 as a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Bronner. It is a pink-skinned 'gris' variety that produces exceptional white wines in the UK.