The 2023 classic dry white wine, constituted of grapes sourced within the Crouch Valley of South Essex, marks the primary English wine launch from Jackson Household Wines (JFW). The wine was crafted by head winemaker Charlie Holland, former CEO of Kentish property Gusbourne.
Greatest recognized for its Kendall-Jackson label, California-based JFW operates over 40 wine estates worldwide, with initiatives spanning France, Italy, Australia, Chile, and South Africa, alongside its US holdings. Its English enterprise, initiated in 2023, is a comparatively new addition to the family-owned firm’s rising world portfolio.
With a robust heritage in coastal, cool-climate winemaking, the corporate has acquired 27 hectares (67 acres) of winery land close to the North Sea. The Crouch Valley space, described by Holland as ‘one of many warmest and driest components of England’, is more and more recognised for its potential to provide high-quality nonetheless wines.
Half of the property was planted in 2023, with the rest accomplished this spring. The winery is at the moment planted to 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, with the primary harvest anticipated in October 2026.
Whereas the property’s personal vineyards are nonetheless being established, the inaugural Marbury Chardonnay 2023 was produced utilizing fruit sourced from two close by Crouch Valley vineyards, one located only a mile from JFW’s web site. Each are managed by New Zealand-trained viticulturist Duncan McNeill.
Charlie Holland, winemaker of JFW’s English wine property
The brand new launch was whole-bunch pressed and barrel-fermented, then aged for 10 months in 15% new oak. The purpose, stated Holland, is to present a preview of what the native terroir has to supply.
Along with having fun with comparatively lengthy hours of sunshine by English requirements, the Crouch Valley’s defining options embody low elevations (40 metres and under), sturdy maritime airflow, and the London clay soils. In accordance with Holland, the heavy, silty clay retains water throughout dry spells and swells throughout moist intervals, changing into successfully impermeable. This helps shield grapes from splitting throughout wet harvests.
Winemaking for the primary launch was accomplished at Outlined Wine, a contract winemaking facility primarily based in Canterbury, stated Holland, including that there are additionally plans to construct the property’s personal amenities sooner or later.
The Marbury identify, the producer famous, derives from ‘Mare’ in Latin, that means ‘sea’, and ‘Burh’, the previous English phrase that means ‘fortified place’.
A Marbury Pinot Noir is predicted to hitch the nonetheless wine vary subsequent 12 months, with multi-regional glowing wines additionally within the pipeline underneath a separate model identify.
The Marbury Chardonnay 2023 will likely be launched in mid-June, priced at £38, and distributed through St. Swithin’s Wine Shipper.
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