Sussex

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• South Downs chalk is an extension of the Paris Basin, formed from marine organisms 100 million years ago, tectonically linked to the Alps.
• Chalk's high porosity (~300–400 L/m³) acts as a water reservoir, delivering controlled vine stress that balances ripeness, acidity and aroma.
• Mineral-rich greensands north of the South Downs provide a second key soil type, also free-draining and suited to viticulture.

• Plumpton College, in Sussex, is the only wine school in a cool-climate region offering bachelor's and master's degrees in Oenology.
• Sparkling-wine grapes must be hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, and producers apply longer on-lees bottle ageing.

• Still whites show lemon, lime, elderflower and apple; sparkling wines gain brioche, toast and honey from extended lees ageing.
• Cool evening breezes preserve high natural acidity in sparkling wines, which are described as clean, fresh yet complex with depth.

• Chalk's porosity (300–400 L/m³) creates mild vine water-stress, balancing ripeness, acidity and berry aroma potential.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• Official trade body site — WineGB