2020 BACCHUS FUMÉ. Flint Wines. Norfolk, England

Flint Vineyards was founded in Earsham, Norfolk in 2015.

The vineyard was already established but has grown since to 6ha with a mixture of both black and white grape plantings. From these both still and sparkling wines are made.

100% Bacchus

This variety is widely planted in the UK and is attractively fruity and aromatic. What Ben has done here is capture the brightness and fruitiness of Bacchus and aligned it with a subtle framework of light oak – and the marriage is superb.

Vines are grown on flinty (hence the name) gravel and loam soils. Hand harvested, following pressing the juice and skins were left in contact for over 24 hours to help extract the lovely aromatic notes. The juice was then fermented dry and aged in neutral, aged oak casks for 6 months with blocked malolactic.

There is a fine citrus note on both the nose and palate with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc herbaceousness. Mildly tropical fruits emerge with a touch of caraway and a delicate oak note. Fresh and zesty on the finish – unusual and very appealing.