Chapel Down releases its first sparkling Bacchus variant

The Kent-based wine producer released its first sparkling version of Bacchus to mark the week, which finished on Sunday (2 June).

The latest expression of Bacchus from Chapel Down’s diverse portfolio of Bacchus wines follows previous examples including an orange, a barrel-aged and a single-estate Bacchus.

Head winemaker Josh Donaghay-Spire, hailed the new addition as a "breath of fresh air".

“Deciding to carbonate the wine and not to put it through the traditional method was considered choice as I wanted to retain the youthful aromatic components which Bacchus showcases so well,” he enthused.

“It’s not a wine to discuss and debate for hours or put a wine to cellar for years to come, it’s an uncomplicated and very refreshing wine to open and enjoy this summer.”

'Exceptional' 

Bacchus is widely becoming known as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, and this release is from its "exceptional" 2018 harvest.

The sparkling wine is described as youthful, fresh and aromatic with intense aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and elderflower and has a refreshing palate.

Mark Harvey, managing director for wine and spirits at Chapel Down, shared Donaghay-Spire's enthusiasm for the new variant. 

"Bacchus thrives in England and has become something of a ‘poster grape’ for our young, wine-growing region," he explained.

"Having produced several expressions of still wines, we’re excited to release this sparkling version in time for the summer season."