Enzymes are proteins which act as biological catalysts that facilitate and accelerate specific reactions and are useful tools during pre and post alcoholic fermentation. Post ferment enzymes, in particular glucanases enhance organoleptic attributes as well as improving stability and they aid filtration by minimising clogging compounds. Maryam Ehsani of Laffort explains further the role Extralyse can play during wine stabilisation. Continue reading “Pectinases and glucanases” →

Meeting with Richard Balfour-Lynn on a sunny terrace at Hush Heath Estate, overlooking the flourishing, newly planted Nannette’s vineyard, sipping coffee from a mug inscribed “I’d rather be drinking Balfour Brut Rosé” I could easily have forgotten I was just outside Staplehurst, Kent. Continue reading “Sites, expertise and experience” →

With harvest in full flow, looking at using some techniques to protect the grape must is essential especially if there is risk of disease. Continue reading “Tannins” →

With harvest fast approaching take comfort in the words of an iconic Frenchman to get you through the crush cycles and long hours ahead: “All you need is a 10-minute nap and voilà, a slurp of rosé and I feel as fresh as a daisy,” – Gérard Xavier Marcel Depardieu. Continue reading “Stabulation” →

Urban wineries are somewhat of an enigma in our blossoming industry. While the original London-based producers are now engaging with UK growers and rolling out their lines of English wines, their decision to import fruit from Europe has resulted in suspicion and trepidation from the English and Welsh wine community – after all no one want to be seen to be supporting ‘British wine’. Continue reading “Proud Londoners, exclusively English” →

Great wines starts in the vineyard, and managing the health of grapes is a challenge especially in the UK’s temperate climate. Disease pressures and humidity/rainfall pose significant threats as do the general wildlife and insects. Continue reading “Low SO2 strategies” →

How did you get started in wine?

Primarily I ended up in the industry because my parents, Bob and Annie, set up the vineyard. I always enjoyed the work, especially in the winery, and over time I got more immersed in the wine sector. Continue reading “Meet the manager: Head winemaker” →