Otium Wine Estate, where ‘delinquent peacocks’ roam the vines, releases its first English rosés.
Otium Wine Estate, perched on the Hampshire Hangers above the historic village of Selborne, has released its first wines. Andrew and Emily Debnam planted the vineyard in 2021 and are now delighted to introduce their inaugural still and sparkling rosé.
The still rosé, named Delinquent, pays tribute to the estate’s resident peacocks. These striking birds roam the vineyard with quiet authority, occasionally swiping the odd grape. Not always universally admired, they were once the subject of an ASBO, but are now very much part of the family, patrolling the vines and, one hopes, leaving enough fruit behind for the wines themselves.
The highly-anticipated wines were released in English Wine Week – and are available to buy directly from the estate – where visitors can stay in the estate’s luxury holiday cottages.
Andrew and Emily have made their home on this long-forgotten farm in the South Downs – trading their fast-paced London existence for a slower more meaningful way of life. The estate, in the west corner of the national park, is a hidden gem, blending picturesque woodlands, lush wetlands alongside the vineyards. “We set out to create a single-estate vineyard focussed on quality. Our wines are produced in limited quantities and offered as an invitation to slow down and enjoy something made with care.”
The name of their project (and now home) ‘Otium’ was inspired by the Roman concept; ‘ex labore, otium’ – ‘after work, rest… where life slows down enough to give space for the important things; reflection, creativity and connection. These are the principles which Andrew and Emily live and work by. Their long-term mission is to build an environment for future generations and make wines which express the nature of ‘otium’; wines that reflect the uniqueness, beauty and tranquillity of their origin.
The wines
Otium ‘Delinquent’ Rosé (Still) is available for £23: Made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grown on the estate’s ancient sandstone soils, the grapes were pressed swiftly after harvest and fermented in stainless steel at a cool temperature to preserve the delicate floral and fresh fruit characters. It has perfumed blossom and red berry notes on the nose, a dry palate with refreshing, juicy acidity, and a fine textured finish. An ideal summer sipping rosé, perfect with nibbles, or a goat’s cheese salad, or fresh, citrussy, seafood dishes.
Otium Brut Rosé (Traditional Method Sparkling) is available for £45: A blend of Pinot Noir (60%), Pinot Meunier (38%) and Chardonnay (2%) – this wine was made in the traditional method with the bottle ageing in the cellars over two years before release. The finished product is a wonderful blend of ripe fresh red currants and strawberries, alongside notes of freshly baked sourdough and almonds. A mouth-watering sparkling aperitif, delicious paired with charcuterie, or with summer berries and cream.
In 2027 two more traditional method sparkling wines which are enjoying further ageing before release will join the range.
Both are availble from www.otiuwmwineestate.com
