Product Description
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Highweald, Chardonnay, Wild Ferment, 2024, Sussex, England
Producer Profile
Highweald Wine Estate began in 2016 with a bold vision and 120,000 vines planted across the rolling hills of the Sussex High Weald – an area of outstanding natural beauty and one of England’s most compelling terroirs. From day one, our ambition was clear: to craft world-class sparkling wines without compromise.
The first harvest arrived in 2018, and the results spoke for themselves. In their debut year of release, Highweald was awarded Best Wine in First Year of Production, alongside both the English Sparkling Trophy and the Non-Vintage English Sparkling Trophy at the 2022 International Wine Challenge – recognition that affirmed the quality we set out to achieve from the very start.
Sustainability at their Core
Highweald farm with a light touch, prioritising soil health, low-impact vineyard practices, and responsible stewardship of our land. Every decision – from canopy management to harvest timing – is made to protect the vineyard for future generations while elevating the purity of each of their wines.
Conservation That Nurtures the Vineyard
Wildflower meadows, bat boxes, bird habitats, and flourishing hedgerows support the rich biodiversity that surrounds our vines. By encouraging these natural ecosystems, Highweald create a balanced, thriving environment that enhances vine resilience and vineyard character.
Viticulture
Nestled in the pristine medieval landscape of the Sussex High Weald, among rolling, wooded hills, lies Highweald Wine, one of England’s finest wine estates. The award-winning wines from Highweald are made with skill and expertise from ancient clay and sandstone soils, resulting in opulent wines that are satisfyingly complex and easy to enjoy.
Selected from one block of Chardonnay at the home vineyard, this wine is made from whole bunch pressed Dijon clone 76 & 95 fruit.
Winemaking
Made from Dijon clone Chardonnay grown on Highweald’s West Sussex vineyards, this Wild Ferment Chardonnay is a true expression of careful, low-intervention winemaking. The juice is left to ferment naturally on wild yeasts and then aged for twelve months before bottling unfined and unfiltered, preserving clarity of place and varietal character.
Tasting Note
On the nose, delicate blossom and orchard fruit aromas glide into a vibrant medley of crisp apple and citrus notes, while the palate strikes a lovely balance between bright russet apple acidity and a creamy, textured depth. Lingering hints of citrus peel and subtle savoury nuance give this Chardonnay personality and poise. With its elegant yet expressive profile, this limited-release showcases Highweald’s craft, terroir focus and the quiet confidence of minimal-intervention winemaking.
Goes well with
White cheese, seafood and shellfish, white meats, classic French cuisine.
Cellaring
With careful cellaring could benefit from 2-3 years in bottle.
Features
Varieties: Chardonnay 100%
Colour: White
ABV: 13%
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Still Wine
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: England
Region: Sussex
Vintage: 2024
