I’ve tasted my way through the Chapel Down range twice. I’ve visited the vineyard and several others in Kent and genuinely believe that English wine can be excellent. Hush Heath produce delicious fizz. Denbies, whilst a beautiful vineyard, are not my favourites… Chapel Down are the best, in my opinion and this blend – available in Waitrose, Sainsburys (the cheapest) or from Chapel Down (most expensive), is very good indeed.

Tasting notes: This bottle and the Chapel Down website give no clues as to what grapes have gone into this wine but research yielded that it is a blend of Chardonnay, Huxelrebe, Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and Reichensteiner . The name ‘Flint Dry’ makes me think of Sauvignon Blanc, often referred to as ‘Fume’ in America or flinty in tasting notes. This wine would definitely appeal to Sauvignon lovers, or fans of more expensive Pinot Gris as it has an aromatic quality to it. I think that this is an excellent wine; Jane MacQuitty wrote       “100 Best Summer Wines. This vintage is its best yet. This clever fruit salad blend makes for a delicious, bosky, English summer hedgerow cut-grass and elderflower-scented white.”  (Sunday Times, June 2017) I agree!

Wine Colour – White
Price – £9
Where do I get it from? – Sainsburys.
Current Vintage – 2016
Type of Closure – Screw Top
Bottle size – 750ml
Grape – Chardonnay, Huxelrebe, Pinot Blanc, Bacchus, Reichensteiner
Country – England (Kent)
Points – 92
Food Pairings: Went very well with salmon, would also go with summer lunch foods.