Chapel Down launches its first sparkling Bacchus

By James Halliwell

Published: 21 May, 2019

Chapel Down has released its first sparkling Bacchus version.

The Chapel Down Sparkling Bacchus is the seventh expression of Bacchus that Chapel Down produces and it was due to this “extended knowledge and understanding of the grape variety” that head winemaker, Josh Donaghay-Spire, experimented with carbonation.

The fruit used is from the 2018 harvest and it was cool fermented before being carbonated at bottling.

“Deciding to carbonate the wine and not to put it through traditional method was a considered choice as I wanted to retain the youthful aromatic components which Bacchus showcases so well. It’s not a wine to discuss and debate for hours or a wine to cellar for years to come, it’s an uncomplicated and very refreshing wine to open and enjoy this summer,” said Donaghay-Spire.

The 12% abv wine (rrp: £17) is available nationwide in Waitrose from now, as well as select independent retailers.

Chapel Down managing director for wine & spirits, Mark Harvey, said: “Bacchus thrives in England and has become something of a ‘poster grape’ for our young, wine growing region. Having produced several expressions of still wines, we’re excited to release this sparkling version in time for the summer season.”

The latest expression of Bacchus from Chapel Down’s diverse portfolio of Bacchus wines follows previous examples including an orange, a barrel aged and a single estate Bacchus.

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