Pinot Blanc / Chardonnay
Field Notes 3 2021
Offbeat

Grape Variety: 92% Pinot Blanc, 8% Chardonnay

Producer: Offbeat Wines (Daniel & Nicola Ham)

Region: Wiltshire, England, UK

Wild Scale: 3/5

Winemaking: Organic Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay grapes grown in Crouch Valley, Essex were sourced by the winemaker. Some additional Chardonnay grapes came from Ham Street in Kent. The Pinot Blanc was split into three quantities. The first underwent whole bunch maceration for 1 day, the second underwent direct press and the third was de-stemmed and macerated on the skins for 10 days. Chardonnay was also de-stemmed and macerated for the same period of time.  Fermented with indigenous yeast for nearly a year in an assortment of different vessels; amphora, stainless steel and old oak barrels. No fining, filtration or added sulphur. 

This Wine: The third instalment from Offbeat's Field Notes series is made up of all white grape varieties for the first time. You can expect great acidity alongside orchard & citrus fruit including a hint of bruised apple. The wine has a nice texture from the skin contact and light extraction. Drinking well now but should age very well too. Best served with food. 

Notes on the Winemaker: Daniel and Nicola Ham were marine biologists before embarking on a natural wine adventure in what may have seemed the most unlikely of regions, Wiltshire! They purchase organic fruit from different plots around the UK and are now making some of the best local wines we have ever tried.