Welcome to The Grape Gazette, your go-to source for all things wine. Today, we delve into a groundbreaking development that has left many in the wine world buzzing. Champagne Taittinger, a prestigious name in the realm of bubbly, has ventured into the English countryside to produce sparkling wine. This bold move is set to shake up the sparkling wine industry, and we’re here to unpack all the juicy details.

A Historic Investment

In December 2015, Taittinger made headlines by becoming the first Champagne house to invest in English sparkling wine. Teaming up with private investors and their UK agent, Hatch Mansfield, Taittinger purchased 69 hectares of prime farmland in Kent. This land, located near Chilham, was chosen for its ideal terroir, which mirrors the renowned Champagne region’s climate and soil conditions​ (Decanter)​.

The Birth of Domaine Evremond

The newly acquired vineyard has been named Domaine Evremond, a nod to Charles de Saint-Évremond, a 17th-century French writer and epicurean who was a notable figure in the early appreciation of Champagne. Taittinger’s investment is substantial, encompassing a multi-million-pound commitment over a decade. The consortium, with Taittinger holding a 55% stake, aims to produce up to 300,000 bottles of English sparkling wine annually​ (Decanter)​​ (Decanter)​.

Why England?

For years, the potential of English sparkling wine has been a topic of interest among wine experts. The chalky soils of Kent, along with its temperate climate, offer conditions remarkably similar to those found in Champagne. These similarities have not gone unnoticed, and Taittinger’s move underscores the growing recognition of England as a burgeoning region for quality sparkling wine production.

Stephen Skelton MW, an English wine expert and consultant on the project, noted, “2017 will see the largest number of vines ever planted in a single year in the UK.” This confidence is reflected in the broader English wine industry, which has seen rapid growth and increased investment in recent years​ (Decanter)​.

Planting the Seeds

The journey from apple orchard to vineyard began in earnest in spring 2016. The team cleared mature fruit trees and prepared the soil, planting Italian Alder trees to protect the young vines from the wind. By May 2017, the first vines were planted in a ceremony led by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who expressed his excitement about the venture and its potential to attract both French tourists and global wine enthusiasts​ (Decanter)​.

The Varietals

Domaine Evremond will focus on the classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes are well-suited to the Kentish terroir and are expected to produce high-quality sparkling wines. The first harvest was anticipated in 2020, with the initial bottles of Domaine Evremond’s English sparkling wine slated for release by 2023 or 2024. The wines will be aged for a minimum of three years to ensure they meet the high standards associated with the Taittinger name​ (Decanter)​​ (Decanter)​.

The Future of English Sparkling Wine

This venture is not just a business move; it’s a statement about the potential of English sparkling wine. As Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger put it, “Our aim is to make something of real excellence in the UK’s increasingly temperate climate, and not to compare it with Champagne or any other sparkling wine.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the wine world, where English sparkling wines are gaining recognition and accolades for their unique qualities.

The investment also highlights the economic advantages of producing wine in England. Vineyard land in England is significantly cheaper than in Champagne. According to estimates by English Wine Producers, a hectare of vineyard land in England costs around £25,000, compared to €1.2 million (£870,000) per hectare in Champagne​ (Decanter)​. This cost difference allows for substantial investment in vineyard development and production facilities.

A Boost for the Local Economy

Taittinger’s project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The construction of a winery at Domaine Evremond, coupled with the influx of tourists and wine enthusiasts, will create jobs and promote local businesses. The project also aims to support the broader English wine industry, positioning itself not just as a producer but as a significant advocate for English sparkling wine.

Patrick McGrath MW, MD of Hatch Mansfield, emphasized this point, saying, “As a team, we have a real belief in the potential of English sparkling wine. Our aim is not just to be an English sparkling winemaker, but also to be a significant supporter of the whole English wine industry.” This commitment to the local wine community underscores the project’s long-term vision and potential impact​ (Decanter)​.

 

Taittinger’s investment in English sparkling wine marks a significant milestone in the history of both Champagne and English wine. It’s a bold move that reflects the growing confidence in England’s ability to produce world-class sparkling wines. As the vines mature and the first bottles of Domaine Evremond’s English sparkling wine are released, we can look forward to a new chapter in the sparkling wine story, one that blends French tradition with English innovation.

Here at The Grape Gazette, we’ll be following this story closely and bringing you updates on the progress of Domaine Evremond. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the burgeoning world of English sparkling wine. Who knows? You might just find your new favourite bubbly closer to home than you ever imagined.

Sources

  • Decanter. “Champagne Taittinger to make English sparkling wine with UK vineyard deal.” Decanter.com
  • Decanter. “Taittinger plants first vines for English sparkling wine.” Decanter.com

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of wine, and don’t forget to raise a glass to this exciting new venture!