Vineyard and winemaking
Derringstone is a still blanc de noirs made entirely from estate-grown Pinot Meunier on Simpsons' Railway Hill vineyard, overlooking the Kent hamlet of Derringstone. The North Downs' chalk-rich soils and cool climate allow this dark-skinned grape to ripen slowly while retaining the vivid acidity needed for a serious white wine.
The 2023 grapes were carefully pressed, and the juice settled for 48 hours before a long, slow fermentation with aromatic yeasts. Full malolactic fermentation and a winter on fine lees in stainless steel built texture and palate weight before bottling in spring 2024, without the use of oak.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Pale gold with a delicate rose-gold tint.
Nose
Kentish pear and crisp apple are joined by white blossom, red winter berries and a suggestion of sweet spice.
Palate
Mouth-filling yet bright, with poached pear, apple skin and subtle redcurrant wrapped in a creamy lees texture. Chalky freshness gives the wine definition, and the finish is dry, polished and quietly luxurious.
Food pairing
A rewarding match for seared scallops, lobster with herb butter, moules marinières, roast guinea fowl or cauliflower cheese with a crisp crumb. Serve cool rather than very cold to show its texture.
Background story
Charles and Ruth Simpson established Simpsons' Wine Estate near Barham in 2012 after building their winemaking experience at Domaine Sainte Rose in the Languedoc. The estate now explores the potential of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier on the chalk of the North Downs.
Derringstone was conceived as an unusual still expression of a grape more familiar in sparkling wine. This sixth release continues a pioneering English blanc de noirs project that has become particularly sought after by sommeliers for its originality and gastronomic character.
