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A Summary of Wines Made in London
While London may not have the sprawling vineyards typical of traditional wine regions, it has emerged as a unique and innovative hub for urban wineries. These wineries source grapes from various vineyards outside the city, bringing them to London to be crafted into exceptional wines. Here’s a detailed look at some of the notable wines made in London:
1. London Cru
- Background: Established in 2013, London Cru was the first urban winery in London. It is located in an old gin distillery in Earls Court. The winery sources high-quality grapes from renowned vineyards in Europe.
- Wines: London Cru offers a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Syrah, and Barbera. Their Chardonnay is noted for its crisp, fresh flavors with hints of stone fruit and minerality.
- Unique Aspects: London Cru focuses on small-batch production, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and quality.
- Visit: London Cru
2. Renegade London Wine
- Background: Founded in 2016, Renegade London Wine is an independent urban winery based in Bethnal Green. The winery embraces a rebellious spirit, experimenting with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques.
- Wines: Renegade produces an eclectic mix of wines, including sparkling, white, red, and even pét-nat (pétillant naturel) wines. Their Bacchus, sourced from Herefordshire, is a standout with its aromatic profile and zesty finish.
- Unique Aspects: Renegade is known for its innovative approach and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional winemaking.
- Visit: Renegade London Wine
3. Blackbook Winery
- Background: Blackbook Winery, located in Battersea, was founded in 2017 by Sergio Verrillo, a former sommelier and winemaker. The winery sources grapes primarily from Essex and Oxfordshire.
- Wines: Blackbook specializes in cool-climate wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their “Painter of Light” Chardonnay is praised for its balance and complexity, featuring notes of citrus, apple, and subtle oak.
- Unique Aspects: Blackbook Winery focuses on sustainable and minimal intervention winemaking, aiming to reflect the terroir of the English vineyards.
- Visit: Blackbook Winery
4. Humble Grape Urban Winery
- Background: Humble Grape started as a wine bar and retailer before expanding into winemaking. Their urban winery in London sources grapes from their network of sustainable vineyards across Europe.
- Wines: They offer a variety of wines, including organic and biodynamic options. Their portfolio includes a notable organic Grenache from Spain, characterized by its vibrant fruit flavors and smooth finish.
- Unique Aspects: Humble Grape emphasizes sustainability and transparency, providing detailed information about their winemaking process and vineyard practices.
- Visit: Humble Grape
5. Chateau Tooting
- Background: An intriguing community project, Chateau Tooting is run by the Urban Wine Company. Locals from Tooting and surrounding areas contribute grapes grown in their back gardens and allotments.
- Wines: The resulting wine is a sparkling rosé, known for its community spirit and unique blend of flavors from various grape varieties.
- Unique Aspects: This project stands out for its communal approach to winemaking, involving local residents in the process and creating a truly local product.
- Visit: Chateau Tooting
Conclusion
London’s urban wineries are redefining the city’s relationship with wine, offering a diverse range of high-quality products made with grapes sourced from various regions. These wineries combine innovative techniques with traditional winemaking practices to produce wines that reflect both the character of their sourced grapes and the creativity of London’s winemakers. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious about urban winemaking, London’s wineries provide a fascinating and delightful experience.
For more detailed information about each winery and their offerings, you can visit their websites:
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