Henners
Overlooking the plains of the South Downs in England’s sunny Sussex, Henners vineyard is a wildlife-rich haven that shares geological similarities with the Champagne region. Taking full advantage of their prime location, Henners have truly mastered the art of crafting absolutely beautiful still and sparkling wines that express the English countryside – and give their French counterparts a run for their money!
Sussex, England
Henners winery covers three hectares in the village of Herstmonceux in East Sussex, just five kilometres from the coast. The vineyard sits on a clay and sandy soil hill that slopes down into the marshlands of the Pevensey Levels Nature Reserve, so any cool coastal breezes or excessive rainfall flows down and drains into the land below, benefitting both the vines (as the grapes will never be oversaturated and diluted in flavour) and the thirsty nature reserve below.
With a similar climate and terroir to the Champagne region, it may come as no surprise that the grapes that flourish here are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Since 2010, Henners have been harvesting these three classic Champagne blend grapes and producing their own impressive English sparkling wines using the traditional French methods. Now headed up by winemaker Collette O’Leary, Henners is turning out outstanding vintages every year of still and sparkling wines.
Having studied Viticulture & Oenology at the UK’s prestigious Plumpton College and worked in wineries in New Zealand, California and South Africa, Collette brought plenty of insight and wine knowledge with her when joining Henners a few years ago. Collette could immediately see the potential in Sussex for growing extraordinary winemaking grapes, particularly where the Henners hectares are nestled in the South Downs.
The wine to try from Henners has got to be the exclusive parcel they produced especially for us at Virgin Wines. The Henners Foxearle English Sparkling Brut 2016 is a top quality, vintage sparkling wine from an exceptional growing season for English wines. Using grapes harvested in autumn 2016, it’s a fresh, lively and elegant sparkling wine with vibrant acidity. Packed full of flavours like toasted, buttered brioche, almond and biscuit, accompanied by slices of fresh red apple, red berries and lemon nougat.
Did You Know?
Sussex receives the most annual sunshine hours in the whole of the UK, which is what makes it so darn good for viticulture. So if you’re a wine lover who wants to explore what’s on offer on your doorstep, a trip to Sussex may well be on the cards for your next staycation!