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News
Balfour launch new range of still wines
English winery Balfour has announced the launch of a new range of still wines ahead of English Wine Week.
Balfour Winery, which is based in the Kent countryside, is set to release a new range of still wines, intended to “exhibit England’s still wine potential”, it said.
Amidst the English sparkling wine boom, there lies a “growing demand for the less effervescent”, the brand said. One of the largest, and leading, English wine producers, it plans to release a collection of six still wines at intervals throughout 2023.
Featuring a new label design showcasing their state-of-the-art winery, inspiration for the collection was taken from the estate’s picturesque home, it said.
Head winemaker, Fergus Elias, said: “Our new still wine range really shows how far the category has come. These are some of the most rewarding and difficult wines we make – and there’s a tangible growing appreciation and demand for them. We feel a growing confidence that we have all the tools here in England to really fly the flag for our own still wines.
“There’s a huge amount of technical detail which goes into their production, which we feel is important for the future of English Wine. The Bacchus alone, for instance, has seen over 10 individual yeast strains, alongside micro-winemaking techniques with lees ageing and selected use of oak. We know we’re far from alone in the industry putting in this level of detail – and that can only be hugely exciting for the English Wine category as a whole.”
The news follows plans to double production to one million bottles per annum over the next five years, appointing new board members in aid of its growth objectives.
The 20-year-old winery also operates a network of ten bars and pubs with boutique hotel rooms across the South East, London and the Cotswolds. Balfour also maintains a beer and cider arm of its business called Jake’s Drinks.
Williams spoke to db in December about Balfour’s plans to grow the beer and cider arm “hand in hand” with plans to expand the English winery’s wine production over the next few years. The Kent-based winery appointed Shelley Harris, formerly of Chapel Down, to head up sales for beer and cider; the first step in plans to grow the Jake’s Drinks arm of the business. Read more here.