Tillingham Traditional Method Sparkling 2018

Tillingham Traditional Method Sparkling, Natural English Sparkling Wine, Classic Champagne Blend of Grapes, at least 12 months on the lees, opulent and classy English Sparkler. This is a first for Ben Walgate, a (a semi traditional in our view Champagne method wine due to the addition of a littl skin contact) and so we will let him offer his tasting note as we only got a few bottles of this tiny production so we haven’t tasted it. ‘Opulent barrel notes mingle with bread and biscuit aromas, alongside white flowers and citrus. Bright acidity highlights a richly textured broad palate which is a result of the marriage of skin maceration, barrel ageing and zero stabilisation or filtration.’ Ben Walgate, wine maker Tillingham wines.

Tillingham is a fantastic project run by Ben Walgate in East Sussex.

It is situated off a winding country lane on a slope leading down to the Tillingham River which meanders down to Rye. Ben has already set about using organic compost across his five acres, and he plans to introduce sheep onto the land in the spring to help naturally control cover crop and weeds. He's even experimenting with biodynamic preparations (such as 500) so as to improve the health of his soil. Now here's a man who's serious about natural wine making!  In all Ben has planted around 10,000 plants including thirteen English and International grape varieties. His style is experimental, preferring natural methods and a 'try-it-and-see' approach, which is yielding some great results from this budding winemaker.  Great to see such passion and instinct from English wineries.