New Shoots for Denbies
Denbies Wine Estate is pleased to announce the completion of the first stage of scheduled planting which has been taking place in the 265 acre vineyard.
Commencing in 2013, 25,000 vines were planted which included Solaris. Solaris is an early ripening variety with good resistance against fungal diseases and frost, used for white wine. Planting also included Bacchus, Dornfelder and Rondo, from which the gold award winning Chalk Ridge Rose 2010 won the celebrated title ‘Best Rosé in the world’.
This year, 2014, the planting continues with an additional 15,000 vines being planted towards to end of May when the threat of late Spring has passed. The area to the left of the entrance is currently being cultivated for the new planting.
The new plantings represent the demand for English wine which has grown exponentially in recent years. The 2013 harvest was a record year and Denbies are looking forward to releasing three additional new varietals at the end of September. This includes the release of the eagerly awaited Sauvignon Blanc, the first commercial release in the UK. Four years ago Denbies vineyard planted England’s first sauvignon blanc vines across three hectares of the estate. The 3,500 vines have thrived in the chalky soil, producing in the region of 1,000 bottles.
Within the next month, further announcements will be made as Denbies have been chosen by two major supermarkets to make their English flagship wines, representing a significant statement for the English wine industry as a whole. These own range Denbies wines have been selected for style and quality and each wine will be released as own label made by Denbies for the respective businesses.
In tandem with the extended vine planting Denbies are taking this opportunity to increase the woodland area, planting 1,600 oak and hazel trees so far this year. Work on the estate is also commencing in August in conjunction with Natural England and the Forestry Commission to further enhance this unique area in the heart of the Surrey Hills
