- SIZE:
- 75cl
In 2016, winemaker Dermot faced challenges in creating the first-ever rosé sparkling wine from Sugrue South Downs. Although the grape quality was outstanding, there was a significant shortage of grapes. The yields were meager, and it seemed like an impossible task. However, an unexpected stroke of luck occurred when grapes from Jenkyn Place Vineyard, which were absolutely perfect, came to the rescue.
This fortunate turn of events led to the creation of a truly extraordinary wine, aptly named "Rosé Ex Machina" to honor its serendipitous origins.
Comprising 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier, this wine boasts a deep pink color and an intense, heartwarming character. On the nose, there's notes of orange peel and red apples, along with a subtle hint of fresh pastries that transitions into a buttery crust with aeration. An exceptionally elegant wine, it's delightful now and bound to mature into a magnificent and versatile rosé.
“Dermot Sugrue is the best winemaker in England.” Steven Spurrier, June 2018
“Spectacular. Honestly England’s best.” Hugh Johnson OBE
Dermot and Ana Sugrue are a force to be reckoned with in the English winemaking scene. They met when Ana (a talented winemaker with extensive experience at two of Austria’s top wineries: Schloss Gobelburg and Umathum) was studying for her Master of Wine exams, and encountered Dermot whilst he was crafting the award-winning Wiston Estate wines in West Sussex.
At this point, Dermot had already cemented himself as one of the UK’s great winemaking talents. Before Wiston Estate, he made the wines at Nyetimber in the early 00’s, turning this once-unknown estate into one of the world's great sparkling wine producers. He started Sugrue South Downs as a side project whilst working at Wiston Estate, planting the now famed 'The Trouble with Dreams’ South Downs vineyard and crafting its first award-winning vintage in 2009.
Now, together with Ana, the Sugrue range has become more than its flagship wine (which remains a benchmark for fine English winemaking) – Sugrue South Downs is an in-depth look at the amazing potential in the South Downs terroir, captured in a multitude of different bottles.
We adore these wines. It is so rare to find a sparkling wine producer, anywhere in the world, let alone in the UK, making a range of wines so distinct and unique from each other. Each Cuvee is meticulously thought through - no two are remotely similar, in the best possible way. To drink Dermot and Ana's wines is the tour the South Downs terroir in your glass, in all its varied and delicious glory.
We encourage you to enthusiastically embark on a South Downs adventure with these incredible bottles, made by a duo who are undoubtedly making the UK’s finest sparkling wines.
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