Interesting Articles and Coverage
The Daily Telegraph Thursday 5th May 2011 - The Royal family plant vines at Great Windsor Park.
"Fizz from Sussex is often seen on the banquet tables at Buckingham Palace; Kate and William had wine from Chapel Down in Kent. But now the Royal Family is going one step further with plans to make an English wine of its very own.." view this article online
The Daily Mail Wednesday 27th April 2011 - English Wine for Kate Middleton and Prince William's Big Day
"Wine made in English vineyards and costing as little as £8.50 a bottle will be served to guests at the royal wedding, the Mail has learned.
Chapel Down white wine, made in Tenterden, Kent, is expected to be served at Buckingham Palace during one of the private receptions following Prince William and Kate Middleton's ceremony on Friday.
Such is the level of secrecy that the firm itself has been kept in the dark about its role, but sources confirmed that a large order was delivered to the Queen's residence in recent weeks.
The decision is in keeping with the couple's desire to show off 'what Britain does best' in all aspects of the ceremony..." view this article online
Recent Press Quotes
Chapel Down Bacchus Reserve 2010
An aromatic kaleidoscope ranging from eldeflower to ginger by way of pear, passion fruit and plum. Bob Tyrer, The Sunday Times 30th October 2011.
Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut
A blend of Rivaner, Reichensteiner and Pinot Noir grapes this dry Kent sparkler has a zing of fresh apple. Waitrose Kitchen 1st October 2011.
Chapel Down Bacchus 2010
Complex and generously flavoured, this has elderflower, lemon and lime and a twist of pepper. A fuller weight and texture than many examples. 5 Star 18/20 points. Susy Atkins Decanter Magazine September 2011.
Chapel Down Flint Dry 2010
English wines have overcome their cringe status to become somthing we should be proud of. This tangy grapefruit and pear-drop flavoured white wouldn't look out of place in the Loire Valley. Woman and Home Magazine September 2011.
Chapel Down Rose Brut
"Well balanced with hints of earth and honey" Bob Tyer, The Sunday Times 31st July 2011.
Chapel Down Pinot Chardonnay 2006
"An elegant wine from one of the country's most acclaimed producers. Fruity and characterful, it's not hard to see why this has garnered multiple awards. Strong enough to stand up to food,it can be paired with roast poultry for a simple supper" - 10 Best Sparkling Wines by Alice-Azania Jarvis The Independent Tuesday 27th July 2011.
Chapel Down Rose Brut
"Chapel Down has created a sophicated brand image across it's whole range. This fizz doesn't disappoint either - delicate with no nasty surprises on the after taste" - The Grocer Magazine Saturday 25th June 2011
Chapel Down Bacchus 2010
"Like sauvignon blanc, you either love or loathe Bacchus but I think this tart, light, bosky summer white should be drunk outdoors, as a zingy aperitif with home-made cheese straws. It was grown in Essex and Kent and fermented cool in stainless steel to capture all its classy, tangy, gooseberry and lemon-zest fruit." - The Times, 50 Best White Wines Saturday 25th June 2011.
Chapel Down Flint Dry
"England's answer to chablis is the steely, minerally, faintly earthy 2010 Flint Dry, made with almost one-third chardonnay and finished off with some extended ageing on its yeasty lees" - Jane MacQuitty, The Times (Weekend) Sat 4th June 2011
Chapel Down Chardonnay 2009
"This really elegant Chardonnay has a subtle fullness - great with scallops or seafood" - Yum! Magazine May/June 2011
Chapel Down English Rose Sparkling
"Superbubbly! Lovely intensity and summery English fruit flavours, with hints of blackcurrant and zing. Marvellous to find a superb wine from our own shores for just under £20.00. Royal booze for the price of a round at the pub." - Olly Smith The Mail on Sunday Live Magazine 6th February 2011.
Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut
Chapel Down is the UK's largest producer and this is reassuringly good. Bright and fruity, it has rounded flavour with no rough edges. A good match for Welsh rarebit. Jamie Goode - S Magazine, The Sunday Express 19th September 2010
Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut
You do pay a little more for English wines, but this one's worth the extra if it's a special occasion - it's beautifully crisp and dry with citrus flavours and a hint of blackcurrant. BBC Easy Cook Magazine August 2010.
Chapel Down Sparkling English Rose
"Also made by Chapel Down, this is a delicate, dry froth with a subtle strawberry note. Be careful not to overwhelm it with anything sweet - light savoury canapés please." Susy Atkins, The Sunday Telegraph Stalla Magazine 23rd May 2010.
Chapel Down Vintage Reserve Brut
"I'm spending election night in Kent with several old mates who hold all manner of political views. Whichever mob gets in, we've agreed to celebrate the fact that we're damn lucky to live in these beautiful islands where governments come and go seemlessly without recourse to the barracades. And as for our toast, we'll be knocking back my favourite Kentish sparkler, one of the best made in this green and pleasant land" Jonathan Ray, Telegraph 29th April 2010.