Our vineyard’s south-facing slopes and terroir of flint-loam-mineral soils that make it the ideal location to grow grape that are perfect for the production of top-quality Sparkling Wine.
After our initial planting of 10 acres in 2011, we extended our vineyard by 40 acres in 2022. The new vineyards are all Chardonnay grapes making us one of the largest Chardonnay growers in the UK.
High quality, dependable yield, aromatic complexity and lower propensity for rot were at the forefront of our minds when selecting our three grape varieties:
Chardonnay 76, often found in vineyards in Burgundy and the Loire Valley, provides high sugar levels and a balanced acidity and grows exceptionally well on English terroir.
Chardonnay 95, orignating in Cote-d’Or and a stalwart among the vineyards of Burgundy, Languedoc and Champagne regions, yields a deeper richness and added aromatic complexity alongside key traits found in 76 that makes this clone another ideal choice for us here at Alder Ridge.
Chardonnay 828; often found in the vineyards of California and Australia, the presence of terpenes in this clone brings floral notes, a balanced sulphuric quality and a dryness to create crispness and elegance in a wine.
Grown together, these three clones allow us to enhance the character and flavour of our English Sparkling, whilst their agronomic characteristics harmonise brilliantly with our soil structure and climate.
Running an English vineyard has brought about immense enjoyment and one thing is for certain: the future for English Sparkling looks extremely positive!
The story, or rather the bird behind our branding
Our vineyard’s name evolved when we were preparing our land for vines and pollarding a run of Alders on the Easterly boundary. The iconic Red Kite that features in our branding is seen daily at the farm, and as a species only recently re-introduced to the UK, we felt it was a very apt partner to the re-birth of English wine.