Champagne Taittinger's Domaine Evremond represents a groundbreaking venture in English sparkling wine production, combining French expertise with Kent's chalky terroir to create premium wines that rival their Champagne counterparts. This collaboration between Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield showcases the potential of English viticulture, leveraging similarities in soil and climate to produce high-quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes using sustainable practices.
Taittinger-Hatch Mansfield Partnership
The collaboration between Champagne Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield, initiated in 2015, marks the first time a major Champagne house has invested in UK wine production. This unique partnership combines Taittinger's 80 years of winemaking expertise with Hatch Mansfield's local market knowledge, aiming to produce exceptional English sparkling wines. The venture, with Taittinger holding a 55% controlling stake, reflects the shared values of friendship and quality winemaking between Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and Patrick McGrath.
Kent Terroir and Climate
Chalky limestone soils and a temperate maritime climate make Kent an ideal location for sparkling wine production, mirroring conditions found in Champagne. The region's deep, free-draining chalk soils promote water retention while allowing excess moisture to drain, crucial for grapevine health. Global warming has led to warmer summers and longer growing seasons in Kent, further aligning its climate with that of Champagne. These favorable conditions, combined with south-facing slopes and an altitude of 50 to 90 meters above sea level, create a unique terroir that contributes to the production of high-quality sparkling wines with refined acidity and complex flavor profiles.
Grape Varieties and Production
The 60-hectare vineyard at Domaine Evremond is planted with classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These varieties are well-suited to the chalky soils and climate of Kent. The estate aims to produce around 300,000 bottles of sparkling wine annually, with the first vintage anticipated for release in 2023 after three years of lees aging. An additional 10 hectares of planting is planned for 2024, further expanding the estate's production capacity.
Environmental Practices and Visitor Center
Sustainability is at the forefront of Domaine Evremond's operations, with organic and biodynamic farming methods employed to preserve natural resources and biodiversity. The estate's commitment to environmental stewardship extends to its winery design, which incorporates a subterranean structure for natural gravity-led winemaking. Opening in Spring 2025, the visitor center will offer guests an immersive experience in the heart of the vineyards, showcasing the estate's dedication to both quality winemaking and environmental conservation.
If you work within a wine business and need help, then please email our friendly team via admin@aisultana.com .
Try the AiSultana Wine AI consumer application for free, please click the button to chat, see, and hear the wine world like never before.
Comments