Some two years after producing the first internationally accredited bio-dynamic dry white to be made in the UK – Sedlescombe, a Sussex based vineyard has announced the availability of two more wine styles - the first sparkling and the first red wines to be produced in England to the exacting standards of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDA).

The two new wines are being introduced by proprietors Roy and Irma Cook, in nine days of free tastings being held during English Wine Week. (25th May – 2nd June) at their vineyard near Hastings in East Sussex - ( www.englishorganicwine.co.uk )

The Sedlescombe 2010 vintage Premier Brut is a sparkling dry wine made in the classic Champagne style from 60% Sevyl Blanc and 40% Johanniter grapes grown at the home vineyard and at nearby Bodiam Castle. A “Traditional Method “secondary fermentation of minimum 18 months is credited in its tasting notes as adding a “toasty” flavour to the wine’s “tangy tropical fruit palate”.

The Sedlescombe 2011 vintage Regent is an oak matured red wine made from high quality Regent grapes gathered in the outstanding harvest of 2011 from the Cooks’ Millennium vineyard. The high sugar levels experienced in 2011 have ensured a good natural alcohol level of 11.74%, while 7 month maturation in barique oak barrels has produced a smoky full bodied wine of some complexity.

Both wines have achieved Quality designations and most importantly are uniquely (for the UK) marked with the Demeter symbol to signify qualification to the international standard set by the BDA (www.biodynamic.org.uk )

Co-proprietor and wine maker Roy Cook is quoted as saying “I have no doubt that our decision to upgrade from organic to full biodynamic status in 2010 has added an extra quality to our wines and helped to define their unique ‘terroir’. We have been making sparkling wines for some years now with very good results – but I am confident that the 2011 Brut will be our best sparkler ever. The 2011 Regent is in my opinion as good as, or even better than our award winning 2003 vintage. I intend to enter both wines in the UKVA wine competition later this year and fully expect to do well”

Founded in 1979 by Roy and Irma Cook, with Soil Association certification gained in 1982, Sedlescombe Vineyard is England’s oldest and largest organic wine producer. In 2010 Sedlescombe moved to “premium organic” status by becoming the first vineyard in the UK to gain biodynamic certification. The vineyard has performed well over the years, consistently producing wines that gain top EU “Quality” appellations and year by year winning a host of awards including a first for its dry white.

Note: Biodynamics pre-dates organic farming by half a century and is based on a series of lectures given by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920’s. This system of agriculture shuns chemical inputs in the same way that other organic farmers do. In addition it incorporates lunar and cosmic rhythms into the timing of the application of special biodynamic preparations designed to benefit both soil and plants. In France some prestigious estates such as Chateau Margaux and Domaine de la Romainée-Conti are managed biodynamically as are scores of other less well known wine estates. The system is currently enjoying something of a renaissance around the globe, especially among wine growers, as a number of formerly organic vineyards are upgrading to this ‘gold standard’ organic system.

ENDS

For full data sheets, tasting notes and pictures of the new wines contact:

Roy Cook – 07784 862 238 Freefone 0800 980 2884.

Email: roy.cook@englishorganicwine.co.uk

Web: www.EnglishOrganicWine.co.uk

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SedlescombeOrganicVineyard

Twitter: @ OrganicwineryUK