Following the record breaking vintage of 2014, Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, is now poised for yet another outstanding harvest, with predicted volumes exceeding that of 2014. Although volume predictions are high, since the middle of August, cooler and wetter conditions have been prevalent. For the third year in succession August was the wettest month of the year so far. As a result, the harvest will start relatively late towards the end of the first week of October. This will ensure that the grapes have had the optimum amount of time to achieve high levels of ripeness.
Denbies vineyard team are closely monitoring the sugar and acidity levels on a daily basis and can respond to any changes in the weather immediately. The key now is the rainfall levels during late September and October, and the current Indian summer is a massive bonus.
Like 2014, 2015 experienced minimal frost damage realising optimum conditions for areas of the vineyard to produce some excellent award winning smaller parcels of vineyard select varietals.
Following the record breaking 2014 vintage, Denbies currently has its full range of 14 wines, sparkling, still, white, red and rose in production.
Denbies Wine Estate will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016. Since the vineyard was established in 1986 the English wine industry has been transformed irrevocably. Denbies is proud to have been part of this evolution and continues to be at the forefront of development and innovation in the UK. The 30th Anniversary will be celebrated with the new Blanc de Blanc Cubitt Reserve 2013, due for release in April 2016.
Ready to receive the grape harvest