Sparkling newcomers turn to fruits and flowers for traditional method launch

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 08 November, 2017

As sparkling wine continues to grow in popularity, producers and enthusiasts are increasingly turning to the English countryside to look for sources of inspiration.

The most recent stage in this evolution is the first launch from newcomers Renegade & Longton, which makes sparkling wine with fruits and flowers in the traditional method with second fermentation taking place in bottle.

The inaugural launches, the dry, fruity and floral Pure Elderflower and Elderflower Blush, with notes of red fruits, are being released mid-November.

Founders Brendan Thomson and Richard Neal said they wanted to make sparkling wine drawing on Britain’s rural history of fermenting a range of fruits, flowers, herbs and leaves, which would also go well with two other traditions – the aperitif and afternoon tea.

“The idea was formed when my little brother, living an eccentric life on the Isle of Skye made an ‘elderflower champagne’ following a traditional recipe for his best friends party, there the seeds were planted for a new drink,” Thomson said.

“The Victorians originally popularised champagne and sparkling wine and experimented with the ingredients and flavours to a great extent, so we want to bring back this invention to the industry and want to pioneer the next stage in the innovation of sparkling wine.”

Renegade & Longton retails at approximately £18 and will be sold via the likes of the Wine Pantry and Cartwright Brothers both in London's Borough Market.

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