POLDEN WINES

 

Post pandemic, those businesses which have survived, and many have not, are those that have taken the plunge to explore other options that seem to have weathered the storm. One example of this locally is Polden Wines, at Stocklands Vineyard, based in the Polden Hills, not far from Bridgwater.

A recent visit with vine grower Sue Applegate, shows how with passion and dedication a small business can still make its mark. This diminutive vineyard was planted in 2008 with almost 4,000 vines of just two grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in a total area of just 2 acres. Although the two grape varieties yield the same tonnage, because of its tricky nature, the Pinot Noir has a lower yield. The Pinot Noir, one of my favourite grape varieties, takes up 2/3 of the area and is used both for their ‘Polden Rose’ rosé wine and also ‘Polden Ruby’, their red wine. Its seductive colour and complex flavours give it the advantage of being used either as a full red, or with less skin contact during fermentation, a pretty pale rose. Their white wine, ‘Polden Star’, is made from the Chardonnay grape variety, and here the cool climate conditions give a clean, fresh wine with a hint of citrus, quite unlike the heavier Chardonnays from the New World that many of us have become accustomed to. Polden wines are all Single Vineyard, meaning that all of the grapes from which the wine is pressed only comes from Stocklands vineyard. Whilst up until now all of their wines have been single variety, in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, a decision was made to make a sparkling wine with a blend of both varieties. This decision was largely driven by the difficulties posed by lockdown and the need to ensure that the harvest was not wasted. The good news, for us as consumers, is that this month has seen the long-awaited release of Polden’s first ever sparkling wine, ‘Polden Jazz’. Made with a second fermentation in the bottle, and using both Chardonnay, which is dominant, and Pinot Noir, two of the officially approved Champagne grape varieties, this splendid newcomer cannot fail to lift the spirits. The wine is un-oaked to retain a clean, fresh finish.

After a chance meeting with friends, Sue, renowned peony grower, and with no vineyard experience, took over management of the vines in 2019 in what was to be a steep learning curve. With previous vineyard tenants Mark and Jenny Thorp looking to retire and hand over the reins, Mark acted as mentor, whilst Steve Brooksbank, a well-known wine maker from Shepton Mallet, and with many awards to his name, continues to produce all Stocklands wines. This perfect partnership, where the small team is supplemented by a band of willing volunteers, is going from strength to strength. If you fancy bud rubbing, tucking in, raising the wires, leaf stripping or harvesting grapes, then get in touch.

Tasting sessions are held regularly, and with a ticket price of just £10 per person to include tasting the three Polden wines, this would make an ideal low cost Christmas present for budding oenophiles. The cost is refunded on purchases of six or more bottles. 

poldenwines@gmail.com

Open by Appointment  

Telephone: 07493 773153

TIME TO DECLUTTER

 

Nearing the end of this turbulent year, like many of us, I will be re-assessing my priorities.  

Having resigned from all of my positions of responsibility at the beginning of the year, big sigh of relief, it has taken me longer than I thought to get my act together. 

Not getting any younger, and with, thankfully, no family responsibilities, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to shed those responsibilities that remain, get my hands on as much filthy lucre as I’m entitled, and take off. When? When? Who knows? But what I do know is that I am hampered by my possessions. For me, in the privileged position of owning (with mortgages) two properties, one here in Somerset, and one in Northern France, now both up for sale, has brought about its challenges. 

Reluctantly, I have realised that much as I love the things I surround myself with, collected over almost 60 years, and with lasting memories of times, places, people, what am I going to do in my declining years? Sit at home and stare at them? 

I would describe myself as a tidy hoarder and have more of everything than almost anyone I know, but really, seven dinner services, enough bed linen for a hotel, and countless pairs of shoes, coats, and handbags. You can only eat off one plate or wear one pair of shoes at a time. 

The only thing in constant short supply is wine, but that is a subject for another time. 

My main problem, or two, is that I cannot bear waste, and love a bargain. The vast majority of what I own, including a grandfather clock, a posh leather sofa, and a full suit of armour, has been given to me. ‘I’m getting rid of this Linda, do you want it?’ I just cannot say no. 

Nowadays I dare not leave the house, because three of my key weaknesses are community fund raisers, auctions, and charity shops, although I really do not need any more possessions.  

I am an inveterate viewer of Antiques Road Trip and am continually astonished at how much stuff there is on offer, often very cheaply; items that can make quirky gifts, with the added advantage that the recipient is unlikely to establish how little it cost! 

I think fondly of my 1930s walnut drinks cabinet complete with lemon squeezer in the door, which cost me £5, the 3m x 4m Axminster rug bought for just £18, the wrought iron staircase (which I put up myself) which was a mere £12, and hand-made Egyptian rag rug for just £5 (the very one the shop owner was sleeping on). 

My point is, and it has taken me a while to get here, is that in the run up to Christmas and the gift giving season, do we really need to be trawling through the likes of Argos and Amazon to buy the latest, most expensive, smartest, on-trend gadget, clothing, toy? Not at all. We allow ourselves to be seduced by the marketing campaigns and part with our hard-earned cash on things which largely do not stand the test of time. 

We all have our priorities. Moving forward mine are going to focus on enjoying the here and now, spending time with friends, and storing up those memories that will steer me through my dotage.  

I shall focus on providing the people in my life with good experiences, top quality fresh food and wine, sourced locally and prepared with love. Things which demonstrate time and effort for loved ones, not open purse strings.  

We spend much of our lives worrying about things that will often not come about and there is much to focus on for the remaining weeks of this year, but I live by this, some may say trite, mantra. 

When trouble strikes there are only two question that matter: 

‘Is this life or death?’ If the answer is no, then do not worry about it.  

And if it is, ask ‘Can I do anything about the situation?’ 

If the answer is no, then do not worry about it. 

Wishing you a worry-free start to 2023, combined with health wealth and happiness.