Hush Heath is a 400-acre family owned Tudor estate in the heart of the Garden of England with vast ancient oak woodlands, vineyards, Kentish apple orchards and wildflower meadows. In its heart lies Hush Heath Manor, built in 1503, home to the Balfour-Lynn family. The estate is dedicated to producing England’s finest still and sparkling wines. They are committed to environmental and conservation policies that have led to a burgeoning bee and bird population, along with significant wildlife. They deeply believe that the best flavors and characters for sparkling wine production come from the three classic Champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Planted on deep Wealden clay and benefiting from a particularly warm micro-climate, Hush Heath creates wines with ripe fruit balanced with vibrant, lively acidity.
In 2010, a boutique winery was built on Hush Heath Estate and allowed them to take full creative control over the winemaking process. They sourced bespoke, hand-crafted stainless steel tanks from Champagne, a bottling line from Italy, and created a state-of-the-art laboratory. Most importantly, they employed passionate winemakers that infuse Hush Heath wines with the knowledge and creativity to create a house style: crisp, clean, elegant wines renowned for their purity of taste and color. Here at the Crystal City Wine Shop, as an introduction to English Sparkling wine, we are offering three of their gorgeous wines for the holiday season! They are:
- Balfour 1503 Rose: Made from the classic Champagne trio of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, this rose has the most delicate rose petal pink hue with a crisp citrus and wild strawberry nose that is followed by touches of dried herbs. It is full of elegant red berries, pink grapefruit, and just the faintest touch of sweetness to balance its lively acidity. This is a sparkler that is made to be drunk young and is perfect with everything from chicken and pork to spicy pasta and venison sausage. (Dry)
- Balfour Leslie’s Reserve NV: Named after the owner’s wife, this is also made from the classic Champagne trio, but is mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Bright gold with a fine sustained bead, it has notes of brioche and fresh apple followed by refreshing flavors of lime and redcurrant. This is another one to drink young and is best paired with canapes or traditional English pub food like fish and chips. (Extra Dry)
- Balfour Brut Rose 2011: “England’s Most Exclusive Pink Fizz” and the Silver Medal Winner 2015 Decanter World Wine Awards. Handpicked between 29th September and 11th October 2011, this is a really special bottle of wine. A lovely pale salmon pink with a fine bead and sustained mousse, it smells of strawberries at Wimbledon and peppery spice. The richness and body reflect the ripeness of this vintage, with spice, white pepper, raspberry, strawberry, and hints of vanilla combining in a deliciously complex glass of bubbles! This can age for a couple of years and pairs nicely with seafood such as scallops.
