Balfour Pubs & Inns, Still Tasting Flight

Thank you for buying a Balfour Winery Tasting Flight in one of our ten superb Balfour Pubs & Inns.

Here’s a quick guide to the stunning authentically English Wines you’re about to try. With notes compiled by our Head Winemaker, Fergus Elias.

There’s never been a better time to enjoy English Wine… So read on below our watch the short video from Ferg to find out more about these three stunning English Still wines. 

Wine 1.

Nannette’s Rosé 2022

“English wine’s delicious, high quality answer to the world’s trendiest wine style” is how Fergus Elias, our Head Winemaker, described his latest vintage of Balfour’s flagship still rosé – Nannette’s.

Inspired by our home and delicately pale to look at, this still wine blend of the traditional champagne varieties (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay) and shows just what English rosé is capable of. Brimming with delicious summer berry and a zesty freshness, from clay Hush Heath vineyards are ideally suited to create this soft, delicate dry style – the character of the wine echoes the beautiful English summer fruit orchards which inspired it. Since its first inception in 2010, this has been one of Balfour’s sold-out stars – and its release every year is hotly anticipated.

Key tasting notes :

The chardonnay gives this wine and lovely, zippy freshness – making it feel light and dry on the palate. Whilst the Pinots add beautiful summer fruit notes, with ripe red cherry, raspberry and strawberry all tempered by an aromatic herb (in particular thyme) quality.

Our pairing guide :

• Light, pale styles of rosé have delicate aromas which can be overpowered by strong flavours. The structure and depth of Nannette’s makes it a perfect companion to summer salads, light seafood dishes or soft cheeses. Or, when the weather is warmer, serve at fridge temperature and enjoy on its own (preferably from a deck chair).

Wine 2. 

Liberty’s Bacchus 2022

“Bacchus, but not as you know it” is how our Head Winemaker, Fegus Elias, described his newest (and best) vintage of Liberty’s Bacchus.

Inspired by our home, from grapes grown at the very top of our Hush Heath Estate, this is one of our most complex wines to make. Fergus throws everything at it to create a style which has fantastic depth, a full mouth-feel and a spicy, mineral character. As with all Bacchus, there’s a zippy, citrus vibrancy – but this has been mellowed by careful (5%) oak ageing and supported by an array of wild ferments. His aim was to make a wine which is unmistakably English, but could rival the great still wines of Europe. It worked.

Key tasting notes :

• Crisp apple, intense grassy and elderflower nose and a splash of rose and citrus spice. Delicious, bright acidity balanced by a smoky depth. An intense, bright aftertaste.

Our pairing guide :

• Fresh zippy acidity, and a bright floral character, pairs brilliantly with light summery dishes. Try this with asparagus, artichoke or light goat’s cheeses. Remember, what grows together, goes together – and this wine is at home with the fresh, fragrant flavours of the English countryside in summer.

Wine 3.

Skye’s Chardonnay 2022

“A chardonnay for those who favour balance, freshness and sophistication” is how our Head Winemaker, Fergus Elias, described his newest vintage of Skye’s Chardonnay, from the superb 2022 harvest.

With flavours reminiscent of white blossom, thyme and fresh lemons. Coming from vineyards planted specifically for the creation of English Chardonnay. Skye’s Chardonnay is made from Burgundy clones planted on Middle Strackney Wood and Old Eight Acre, our two warmest Chardonnay Vineyards which we pick last to maximise phenolic ripeness.

Tasting Note: A clean citrus-driven palate with notes of lime and melon rind. A delightful, aromatic and complex Chardonnay.

Winemaker’s Food Pairing: There’s a freshness and vibrancy to this wine which makes it an excellent pairing for fresh salads. Alternatively, it’s extra weight (balanced with the citrus character) creates a delicious counterpoint to oily fish dishes and shellfish.