2020 vintage winemaking
Our winemaking journey for 2020 is in full swing! We have lots of winemaking decisions yet and as the wines evolve we carefully evaluate each step of the process to ensure we are bringing out the best in each grape variety- guided of course by the experts at Defined Wine. This week we met with Henry, Poppy and new Head winemaker Nick Lane, who brings a wealth of experience from both France as head winemaker for the renowned Dom Pérignon, and from his native country New Zealand.
This year we are producing two different styles of Pinot Noir Rosé, our Pilgrims Way Pinot Noir 2020 will echo our well loved 2019 vintage. Whole bunch pressed, the grapes have finished fermenting and are currently settling in tank. It's already bursting with strawberry fruitiness, and our distinctive grapefruit acidity- its these combined elements that really sets the 2019 vintage apart from others on the market and 2020 will not disappoint!
As for our second Rosé, new in 2020, its for those who enjoy off-dry Rosés more similar to those produced in California. We have set out to create an elegant wine with soft aromas and delightfully ripe red fruit flavours that will leave you wanting more. These grapes were de-stemmed before pressing, to allow for more skin contact and a richer, more intense colour.
We are producing two white wines again this year, our hugely popular Pilgrims Way Pinot Gris will return in our signature Alsace style that was so well received in 2019. Beautiful mellow acidity, and a light floral nose. We can already taste the wonderful pear flavours in the juice and a crisp green apple acidity. It will of course be bottled in our beautiful and distinctly shaped Alsace bottles.
Our other white for 2020 is a limited production batch of Chardonnay. As with all of our wines, we are opting for a fruit driven style- we really love showcasing the complex flavour profiles of the grapes so there will very little tertiary flavours added here. We will age a small proportion in fifth-fill French oak before blending back into the main body of the wine. This will soften the wine without imparting too much oak, keeping it fresh, fruity and well balanced.
We will be starting work soon on the labels and names for the new wines- although in the spirit of Wayfarers (we love a spot of intrigue and a touch of mystery...) you will have to wait until they are revealed next year.