As a general rule, most European wines are released during the spring, but can also extend to autumn depending on the processes within the wineries themselves. Depending on the grape variety, some wines can take anywhere from a month to three to process depending on the type being made and the methods used. It is then that the crafting begins. Some of the newly harvested wine will be released as new wine, while other stocks will be kept in the cellars to age and add more tone and character. Our new 2022 wines have been created in a variety of different methods, some are new, and some have been aging nicely in oak...
Our young whites
Some grape varieties are better consumed when young wine. These are generally varieties that are harvested early too. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Sauvignon Blanc make great young wines. On the Calancombe Estate, we grow both Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. We use a green-skinned grape variety of Chardonnay for our white wine production, that originated in the Burgundy. It is a perfect variety for our sparkling wines as it brings finesse and a balance of acidity to the blend.
Our Pinot Gris produces pinkish, grey berries and adds aromatic tones to our white wine. Made from 100% Pinot Gris with notes of honeysuckle, peach, and citrus with a little residual sweetness, our latest 2022 release is perfect for a summer evening. Also released this summer are our latest Bacchus and Ortega wines, made from 100% of their namesake grape variety. A unique wine, our 2022 Ortega boasts notes of melon, peach, vanilla, and oak due to being fermented in barrels. While our 2022 Bacchus, is an elegant wine that offers gentle aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, and a touch of tropical fruit on the palate. Perfect as an aperitif or with fish, and chicken, it is clean and crisp with a touch of peach, gooseberry, and citrus.
Drinking pink
Also good to drink young is Rosé. It ages faster than red or white wine and controversially
Can be a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of foods, including a spicy curry.
There are three methods of creating the delicate blush tones of Rosé. The saignée method of collecting the early runoff when pressing the red grapes. The maceration technique, which can take anything from a few hours to a few days and leaves the crushed red grapes in contact with their skins. And the direct pressing method, where the juice runs off de-stemmed bunches as they are gently pressed.
We use charismatic varieties of Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Precoce grapes to make our delightful Rosé. And this year we are releasing our first Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 Sparkling Wine which is made in the traditional champagne method. Boasting aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and redcurrants on the palate it is delightfully fresh and is the perfect match for high tea or as an aperitif. Our second 2022 Rosé is a blush of light salmon tones. Made from 100% Pinot Noir offers aromas of summer fruits and citrus on the nose, our Pinot Noir Rosé 2022 also offers hints of strawberry and peach on the palate.
Drop into our shop to order a batch of our latest wines…
