GUSBOURNE 2024 HARVEST: A TASTE OF ENGLISH SPARKLING EXCELLENCE

A Day at Gusbourne Estate: The 2024 Harvest Experience

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Ashford, Kent, Gusbourne Estate welcomed us for the start of their 2024 harvest. The invitation to witness their key yearly milestone in the winemaking calendar gave us a rare opportunity to understand the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into creating Gusbourne’s renowned English sparkling wines. The experience was nothing short of spectacular, filled with education, delicious food, and, of course, exceptional wines.

Kicking Off the Day: Bacon Sandwiches and Rosé!

The day began in true British fashion – with bacon sandwiches and a glass of Gusbourne’s 2019 Rosé sparkling wine. This wine, already a favourite among many, set a high bar for the day. The 2019 Rosé is a prime example of why English sparkling wines are gaining global acclaim. It’s versatile, characteristically complex, and an absolute joy to drink, whatever the season.

A Tour of the Estate: Vines, Canopies, and Sustainable Practices

With our stomachs now full, we moved on to a tour of the estate. Walking through the fields under the bright autumn sun, we were struck by the beauty of the surrounding countryside. All we could see were rows upon rows of vines, heavy with grapes. The harvest already started a few days ago, as it rained we weren’t able to do any picking on the day but the whole process of handpicking the grapes usually takes the team under 2 weeks.

Our first stop was at a sunlit canopy where we sampled Gusbourne’s Blanc de Noirs. Here, Jon Pollard, the estate’s Chief Vineyard Manager, joined us to share his expertise and passion. Jon took us through the grape selection process in detail, explaining how grapes are carefully handpicked and sorted, ensuring only the finest fruit makes its way into Gusbourne’s wines.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Jon’s presentation was the insight into how the estate’s two locations—Kent and Sussex—produce different styles of wine. The Sussex vineyard is roughly 100 metres higher in altitude, which means that is receives temperatures approximately 0.6 degrees Celsius cooler than Kent. This seemingly small difference means the Sussex harvest is about ten days later, a crucial factor in developing the grapes’ characteristics. This deeper understanding of terroir, microclimates, and how they influence the wines was a real eye-opener.

What’s more, Gusbourne is deeply committed to sustainability. We learned that the estate had reduced its water usage by an impressive 23% compared to the previous year. Additionally, their corks are now fully biodegradable, showcasing Gusbourne’s push towards more eco-friendly practices in every aspect of their production process.

The Private Dining Experience: Fresh Grape Juice and Pinot Noir

Following the vineyard tour, we were invited into a private dining room for a tasting and lunch. Here, we were given the rare opportunity to taste freshly fermented grape juice, taken directly from the tanks at a youthful 10% alcohol. The juice, from Pinot Noir grapes harvested just days earlier on the 29th of September, offered a unique tasting experience.

This raw, vibrant juice was packed with intense acidity (very similar to lemon juice), with flavours of rhubarb, pear drops, and herbal mint leaf. The early stages of fermentation gave us a glimpse of the fresh fruit esters that would later develop into the rich, complex notes found in a finished wine (FYI grape esters are the compounds that create the fruity, floral, and citrusy aromas that flavour a wine). It was a a very interesting insight into the early life of a wine before the magic of vinification fully takes hold.

A Wine Tasting to Remember

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the extensive tasting of Gusbourne’s sparkling wines. Sitting down to a superb lunch, we sampled a carefully curated selection that showcased the estate’s prowess in winemaking. Each wine was a journey through Gusbourne’s unique take on English sparkling wines.

– Glass 1: Blanc de Blancs 2018 Selhurst Park – This wine had a pointed and precise finish, offering notes of apricot on the palate. It was fresh, zesty, and a great way to start the tasting.

– Glass 2: Blanc de Blancs 2018 Boot Hill – In contrast to the first, this wine had a much rounder finish, showcasing more depth and balance. The subtle differences between the two vintages underscored the individuality of each vineyard plot.

– Glass 3: Blanc de Blancs 2019 – Bright and vibrant, the 2019 vintage was a masterclass in balance, with its vibrant acidity and delicate fruit notes making it a joy to drink. Probably our favourite sparkling wine of the day!

– Glass 4: Blanc de Blancs 2013 Late Disgorged – With extended aging, this wine displayed complex layers of flavour, including brioche, toasted nuts, and a hint of citrus. It was the perfect example of how time in the bottle can elevate a wine to new heights.

– Glass 5: Blanc de Blancs 2013 Cork Aged – Another expression of the 2013 vintage, but this time aged under cork. The differences were subtle but fascinating, with the cork-aged version offering more savoury, earthy undertones.

– Glass 6: Pinot Meunier 2022 – 2022 was the warmest year Gusbourne has ever had, and it showed in this wine. The Pinot Meunier was full-bodied and rich, with ripe fruit flavours and a warm, lingering finish.

– Glass 7: 51 Degrees North – Gusbourne’s most exclusive wine to date, this was a true expression of time, place, and craftsmanship. Elegant, refined, and full of depth, it was the crowning jewel of the tasting and left a lasting impression on everyone at the table.

As we tasted each glass, we were treated to in-depth discussions on the processes behind each wine. The blend of tradition, innovation, and the extreme attention to detail that goes into Gusbourne’s wines became ever clearer as the tasting progressed. Every bottle is a testament to the estate’s commitment to quality and its respect for the land from which its grapes are harvested.

A Memorable End to the Day

Our visit to Gusbourne Estate was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the world of English sparkling wine, learning about the care and dedication that goes into every bottle. The hospitality, the expertise of the team, and, of course, the wines themselves made it a day to remember. As the 2024 harvest continues, we look forward to seeing how this new vintage develops and eagerly await the chance to enjoy the fruits of this year’s labour in a few years’ time.

Gusbourne is not just a vineyard; it is a place where tradition and innovation meet, where sustainability is key, and where the passion for crafting exceptional wines shines through in every glass.

You can check out our selection of Gusbourne spakling wines here, and for any tours please get in touch and we would be happy to arrange them with Gusbourne.