Britain’s oldest brewer, Faversham-based Shepherd Neame, has launched its first collection of English wines, in collaboration with award-winning Balfour Winery.
The two family-owned, independent Kent businesses have come together to create English Garden, comprising an elegant white wine and crisp rosé using Kent-grown grapes.
It is the first time that Shepherd Neame – known for centuries of brewing beer – has released its own English wine, working with the team at Balfour’s Hush Heath Estate in the heart of the Weald.
The English Garden White Bacchus boasts appealing aromas of rose petal and elderflower, along with vibrant citrus flavours and hints of apple.
A dusky pink in colour, the English Garden Rosé offers aromas of ripe summer strawberries, raspberries and rose petal. It has a crisp flavour with a finish of lush wild nectarine and hint of thyme.
Michael Prior, Shepherd Neame’s Wines and Spirits Manager, said: “Shepherd Neame is committed to working with local businesses and suppliers wherever possible and we are passionate about championing English wines, including offerings from our Kentish heartland. We are delighted to see this special partnership come to fruition, and look forward to our customers enjoying our beautiful and elegant English Garden wine.”
Balfour’s Head Winemaker Fergus Elias, who led the team in producing the new collection, said: “This is a really exciting time for English winemaking, particularly in Kent which is becoming known as the Wine Garden of England with more and more vineyards being introduced in the region. We were delighted to work with Shepherd Neame on this exciting project to raise the profile of Kentish wines and are incredibly proud of the finished result.”
The wine, which is produced and bottled by Balfour Winery near Marden, is now available by the glass or bottle in selected Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, London and the South East.
It is also available to buy from Shepherd Neame’s Brewery Shop in Court Street, Faversham.
ENDS
About Shepherd Neame
Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager, and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
For further information please contact Senior Communications Officer Angela Cole on 01795 542142 or email acole@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk
About Balfour Wines
Balfour was founded by Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn, who planted their first vineyards in 2002 on the picturesque Hush Heath Estate. Five years later, Balfour Brut Rosé 2004 became the first English wine to win both a gold medal and the Trophy at the International Wine Challenge. Today, Balfour is recognised as one of the UK’s leading producers and a top vineyard destination. From its state-of-the-art winery near Staplehurst in Kent, it produces over 800,000 bottles annually and welcomes more than 20,000 visitors each year. While its range has expanded to include a variety of still and sparkling wines, its focus remains on crafting award-winning styles that are authentically English.
For further information please contact jack@balfourwinery.com
For further information please contact Senior Communications Officer Angela Cole on 01795 542142 or email acole@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk
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