A stone throws away from my parents home and where I grew up is one of the largest vineyards in England. Three Choirs Vineyard, so named of the choral festival in the Cotswold’s between the three choirs at the cathedrals of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, there is a micro-climate that makes it perfect to make beautiful English wines.
For my parents birthday this year we arranged for a spot of wine tasting and a wander around of these stunning surroundings. The sun was shining and had a South of France feel and in true FoodNerd family style we were overly enthusiastic!
We had arranged for a cheese plate before the wine tour to make sure we didn’t have to carry my mum home. A punchy selection of cheese with an apple and walnut chutney- perfect to get us in the wine mood.
To celebrate, of course, we had to get a bottle of bubbles to toast my parents birthdays. Three Choirs Classic Cuvee is a traditionally-made sparkling wine, which a nice dry glass of bubbles with a nice hint of apple. Went down far too quickly in the sun.
The wine tour started in the courtyard with a glass of the sparkling wine which we had just polished off, but always good to quality check further.
Our next wine was the Siegerrebe 2012, a cross between Madeleine Angevine and Gewürztraminer. A fantastic wine with a strong tropical fruit especially passionfruit and lychees. I may have bought a bottle to savour later in the sun.
Sauntering around we then tried the English House Medium Dry 2013, which a blend of Seyval Blanc, Reichensteiner and Muller Thurgau grape, which is more subtle than the Siegerrebe, a very very drinkable white wine.
Can I get this lot into my car???
Lastly, we finished off with a red. Ravens Hill 2013, a very light red which still delivered in a punch of depth of flavour and rich red fruits. A really interest glass of wine.
I had such a wonderful time with my family in a stunning setting with some beautiful English wines. We may have stocked up our wine cabinets with these beauties and can’t wait to head back to try out the renown restaurant serving up local treats. Pay them a visit later in the year when the vines are in full bloom, trust me it’s a sight to behold.
Address Book
Three Choirs Vineyard
Newent GL18 1LS
Tel: 01531 890223
Website: http://www.three-choirs-vineyards.co.uk/
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