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.
Open by Appointment
Telephone: 07493 773153
No comments:
Post a Comment