Sussex Wine List

Bit of a departure this week from the general theme of scouting for the bargains. Instead, I want to let you know about a wine from a local vineyard.

Last week, we took a Canadian friend of ours to Bodiam Castle, for a traditional English picnic (in the drizzle), followed by a visit to Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard.

If you’ll excuse the pun, they are a really friendly bunch at Sedlescombe, and have just become the first vineyard in England to be certified as biodynamic. I won’t try to explain that here. Google it, or think: ‘organic, with a bit of a crazy twist’!

We tasted the range of wines, and there were a couple that really stole the show. I personally loved the Regent 2010. But I’m going to review one of their white wines.

The Bodiam Harvest 2010 is made from Reichensteiner grapes grown at Bodiam Castle vineyard. It’s a very pale lemon colour. First aromas are of apples and pears – and are really pronounced. Second nose (after a swirl) gives more citrus and a whiff of boiled sweets! Soft in the mouth with good body, there are honey and lemon flavours with a cidery twang too.

It’s medium-dry and a bit spicy. We were planning to have ours with a Thai take-away, but (guttingly) Thai Xperience in Robertson Street is closed until further notice… It’ll go equally well with a fresh seafood salad.

At £12.95 this is high-priced, but it’s hand-crafted, and worth it for a special occasion!