Greyfriars Vineyard
Greyfriars was originally planted in 1989 and was one of the first vineyards in England to plant traditional Champagne varietals. Since 2011 the vineyard was expanded by planting an additional 40 acres of the three classic Champagne grape varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Today it covers 50 acres over 3 sites.
The family run winery has most recently focused predominantly on making high quality sparkling wines, using the 'traditional method'. The aim is not just to produce a Champagne ‘copy’, but rather to create a small range of great sparkling wines which reflects the unique geology, soil conditions, climate and heritage of the wonderful landscape of the Surrey North Downs. The chalk geology of the North and South Downs is the same as one finds in Champagne and is particularly good for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Surrey North Downs Region
The North Downs are a ridge of chalk hills in the south east of England. Its rolling chalk slopes, warm climate and south facing escarpment make The North Downs a fantastic place to grow wine. Grapevines are just one of several plant species that are able to survive in this unique environment, which are scarce or not found elsewhere in the British Isles.
Located on the sunny south facing chalk slopes of the Hog’s Back at Puttenham, in Surrey
Winemaker
Mike Wagstaff
Vineyard
Size
50 Acres
Annual
Production
70,000 Bottles
Wines We Carry
Attributes:
Origin: Surrey, England
Grape Varieties: 42.5% Chardonnay + 42.5% Pinot Noir + 15% Pinot Meunier
Production: Hand harvested from Greyfriars Shere vineyard and whole bunch pressed. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Minimum of 30 months on lees and cork.
Appearance: Light yellow with persistant pearlage
Nose: Baked bread and pear
Taste: Crisp apple and pastry delivered by a creamy, soft mouthfeel.
Gastronomy: As an aperitif or with anything salty or fried. Quality sparkling wine pairs beautifully with most meals!
Serve Chilled.
12% ABV, Dosage 5g/litre
Attributes:
Origin: Surrey, England
Grape Varieties: 48% Chardonnay + 36% Pinot Noir + 16% Pinot Meunier
Production: Grapes are hand picked and whole bunch pressed. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. This vintage sparkling has three and a half years on lees and cork.
Appearance: Light gold with fine persistant pearlage
Nose: Fresh pastry and pear
Taste: Crisp apple and pastry delivered by a creamy, soft mouthfeel.
Gastronomy: As an aperitif or with anything salty or fried. Vintage sparkling wine pairs beautifully with most meals!
Serve chilled.
12% ABV, Dosage 5g/litre
Attributes:
Origin: Surrey, England
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Production: The grapes from Greyfriars Shere vineyard were hand picked, crushed, de-stemmed and soaked for two hours prior to pressing, in order to extract colour. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. The wine has 24 months on the lees and cork.
Appearance: Delicate pink bubbles
Nose: Aromas of summer berries
Taste: Palate of pure strawberry and raspberry fruit, dry tart finish
Gastronomy: As an aperitif, although quality sparkling rosé wine pairs beautifully with most meals and courses!
Serve chilled.
12% ABV, Dosage 7.5g/litre