Bolney Estate Pinot Gris Foxhole Vineyard 2016 West Sussex England 75cl

Bolney Wine Estate near Haywards Heath in West Sussex was founded in 1972 and ranks among the oldest commercial vineyards in England. The estate remains family-founded and visitor-friendly, with its own winery on site. Over five decades it has built a strong reputation for award-winning still and sparkling wines, with Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir among its best-loved styles.

This bottling comes from the Foxhole Vineyard, Bolney’s own south-facing site with excellent sun exposure, planted mainly to Pinot Noir with smaller parcels of Pinot Gris and Bacchus. Made from 100% Pinot Gris, it is a single-vineyard expression that reflects the warmth of that particular slope.

The 2016 growing season in England was a moderate, even year that suited aromatic white varieties, giving ripe fruit while holding on to the fresh acidity that defines the country’s best whites. Bolney’s free-draining Sussex soils help the grapes ripen fully in a cool climate.

In the glass expect ripe pear and orchard fruit, bright citrus and a subtle spicy, gently rich texture that is typical of good Pinot Gris. There is a whisper of white pepper and a clean, mineral thread running underneath. At 11.5% it stays light and refreshing, finishing dry and clean.

Enjoy it with roast pork, creamy chicken dishes, mild curries or a plate of firm cheeses. Single-vineyard English whites like this are still a rarity, which makes it all the more worth seeking out. Do give it a moment in the glass to open up. It is a fine showcase of English Pinot Gris from a historic Sussex estate.