Rose Brut, Woodchester Valley 2021

Fiona and Niall Shiner had been living in Hong Kong for 18 years when they returned to Britain to take on Niall's parents' property at Amberley. Niall continued with his career, but mother-of-three Fiona decided to plant some vines at the property following a comment by her mother-in-law that the Romans could have grown vines there. The first acre was planted in 2007, with the acquisition of an old cattle farm on the (really quite steep) hill opposite and converting an old barn into a winery in 2016. A third vineyard side since been acquired taking the current area under vine (but not all producing grapes yet) to 58 acres (23ish hectares), still firmly in the ‘tiny’ bracket.

A delightful sparkling Rosé with a pretty pale salmon colour, and a persistent, pale mousse. The aroma is inviting with delicate macerated strawberries and cream, so soft yet persistent presence on the palate, with minerality underpinning red berry fruit and orange zest