Wines Sussex Chapel Down - Bacchus - 2023

Chapel Down Cuvée Bacchus 2023 hails from Sussex, a region that has swiftly become synonymous with England’s modern winemaking renaissance. This white wine, crafted from a blend likely centred around Bacchus—one of the UK’s most celebrated aromatic varieties—offers a vibrant, distinctly English style. You can expect a nose alive with bright citrus notes, elderflower, and perhaps a touch of freshly cut grass or hedgerow. On the palate, the wine tends to be crisp, light-bodied, and refreshing, often showing green apple, gooseberry, and sometimes hints of tropical fruit, underscored by lively acidity that promises a clean finish.

Sussex itself enjoys a maritime-influenced, cool climate, moderated by the proximity of the English Channel. The region’s south-facing chalky and clay soils provide ideal drainage and mineral complexity, particularly suited to fresh and aromatic whites. Over recent years, Sussex has earned a reputation for producing some of England's finest still and sparkling wines, building on its rich agricultural history and a growing culture of vinicultural innovation.

When it comes to food pairing, Chapel Down’s Cuvée Bacchus is extremely versatile. Its zesty acidity makes it an excellent match for delicate seafood—think oysters, pan-seared scallops, or classic fish and chips. It will complement light goat’s cheese salads, green vegetable risottos, and even dishes featuring asparagus, notoriously tricky with wine. If you’d like to try a regional match, serve it alongside locally smoked trout or Sussex crab for a true taste of the English coast.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Enjoy it young to appreciate its fresh aromatics and energy, but don’t hesitate to let it breathe in the glass for a few minutes to bring out the full array of subtle fruit and floral notes.