Two years after the first plantings at Domaine Evremond’s vineyard site in Chilham, Kent, Champagne Taittinger shares news that the journey continues – with a further 8.5 hectares of vines planted in May 2019.
Christelle Rinville, viticulturist for Champagne Taittinger, oversaw the new plantings at the site in south-east England. These latest plantings upon former arable land, with chalk soil and south-facing slopes, comprise Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%), bringing the total area under vine at Domaine Evremond to 28.5 hectares.
Patrick McGrath, Managing Director of Hatch Mansfield, comments:
“These new plantings took place in ideal conditions on two adjacent sites, and we are optimistic that they will produce top quality fruit in the future.”
Champagne Taittinger is the first big Champagne House to establish a vineyard in the UK to make premium English Sparkling wine. The Domaine Evremond vineyard is a joint venture between Champagne Taittinger – the only Grande Marque Champagne House to be run by its eponymous family – its UK agency Hatch Mansfield Ltd, and friends. These partners anticipate a first full vintage at Domaine Evremond this coming October – from the vines planted two years ago in May 2017 – with a potential release date of 2024.
The Taittinger family has over 80 years of winemaking expertise in Champagne and plans to use this, alongside its British team, to help create a Premium English Sparking wine of real excellence.
Photography: Thomas Alexander
