Cornish Winery Releases First Vintage Sparkling Wine

Knightor Winery at Trethurgy near St Austell has released its very first vintage sparkling wine.

Made from selected grapes from a single year’s harvest (2011), a vintage sparkling wine is exclusively produced from the finest, ripest fruit, and will only be made when the quality of the harvest is particularly high.

The unique bubbles, made from a blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay grape varieties, has been slowly maturing following an ageing process similar to that of Champagne, and is now finally ready to be enjoyed.

Knightor Winery owns vineyards at Seaton in South East Cornwall and Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsular, and also sources fruit from other local growers, giving this mouth-watering wine a unique regional provenance.

The popularity and fame of the boutique South Cornwall winery has been growing steadily since the first still wines were released in 2012; Trevannion, Madeleine Angevine and Carpe Diem Rose have received critical acclaim, and the selection of non-vintage sparkling wines have also been in high demand.

Adrian Derx, Owner of Knightor Winery, commented on the long-awaited release on the 2011 Vintage Sparkling, saying: “This beautiful wine is made from grapes from our very first year in operation – it has been slowly maturing under carefully controlled conditions whilst four other harvests have come and gone.”

He added: “We had high hopes as the quality of the selected fruit was so high, but we still tasted it with trepidation as it was an early attempt. However I’m pleased to say that it’s an outstanding vintage sparkling wine with lots of character, and we are looking forward to the response from our customers.”

English wine – particularly sparkling – is receiving increasing acclaim and competing on the world stage alongside the established Champagne houses.

It is known for a characteristic elegance and lightness – something Knightor wines capture perfectly.

This particular wine is described as having aromas of apple, pear and buttery pastry, with delicate citrus flavours and great balance; with just 2,000 bottles produced, it looks set to sell out quickly.

The 2011 Vintage Sparkling wine is available direct from the winery, which is open to visitors Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm; tours, tastings, group and party bookings can be organised.

It will also be available via selected retailers and online at www.knightor.com.

You can follow Knightor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Knightor or on Twitter at @Knightor_wine