Duval-Leroy in UK land purchase?
The world could toast the success of athletes at London's 2012 Olympics with Bride Valley Brut English sparkling wine if a joint venture between Champagne Duval-Leroy and wine writer Steven Spurrier comes to fruition.
If analysis of soil samples is favourable, planting on Spurrier's Bride Valley farm in Dorset could begin in April, with a first crop harvested in 2009 - the 150th anniversary of Duval-Leroy.
"It's very exciting," Spurrier said. "The aim is to have our first cuve bottled in time for the Games. Obviously it all depends on the soil samples, but if they're positive, I expect to meet up with Duval-Leroy in a few weeks."
Malcolm Davis, director of Duval-Leroy UK and Duval Leroy International, confirmed he had had talks with Spurrier but emphasised that no formal
agreement had been made.
Spurrier said his wife Bella's farm comprised 81 hectares in a sheltered bowl of land in the valley of the Bride River in
southwest Dorset. Sixty samples of mainly Portlandian clay from the prospective vineyard area of 30ha have been sent for analysis.
Spurrier said English wine expert Stephen Skelton MW, who toured the property with Davis two months ago, had agreed to be winemaking consultant.
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