Hush Heath Balfour, Kent, England

THE START OF THE STORY WITH THE AWARDS-WINNING BALFOUR BRUT ROSÉ

Hush Heath Estate has been part of the Balfour-Lynn family for three generations. And since Richard and Leslie bought additional land, which is next to the Hush Heath Estate, their real story has begun. They bought additional land of 400 hectares. Leslie had the idea to plant the old vines of Hush Heath to then make a rosé sparkling wine, which was equal to the Billecart Salmon Rosé, their favorite. And so 5 hectares were planted with the aim of making this wine. They said: If we can't sell it, we'll drink it ourselves!

When this Balfour Brut Rosé was launched in 2004, it was an instant success! They won gold medals and a prize in the 'International Wine Challenge'. It was also the first English sparkling wine to be served in the air, on British Airways Fresher Class flights. And it was the only English wine to be served at the London 2012 Olympics.

In the years that followed, Richard and Leslie have built a team of expert winemakers who have helped them become a state-of-the-art winery! In 2018, both the winery and tasting room were extended and is now one of the best wineries to visit in England

THE WINE MAKERS

Father and son team, Owen and Fergus Elias, manage all aspects of winemaking at Balfour. They control everything from grape to pressing, fermentation, bottling, labelling and packaging. Owen Elias has been making wine at Hush Heath since the first vintage in 2004. He has been voted UK Winemaker of the year a whopping 6 times! Fergus Elias is part of the exciting new generation, a graduate of Plumpton College and always looking to adapt and innovate.

LOCATION IN ENGLAND & THE VINEYARDS

The estate is located south-east of London, in Kent, the warmest and driest area of England. Kent is considered a perfect location for the production of sparkling wines and cool-climate still wines.

All vineyards have been carefully selected to fit the winemakers philosophy. The vines are planted on clay, chalk or greensand, so that each vineyard is an expression of its specific terroir. More than half of the vineyards are on the Hush Heath Estate. The Wealden clay soils are used for the single vineyard wines.

STYLE OF THE WINES

Balfour Wines are known for their clean and pure style wines. They have a bright colour and a pronounced fruitiness on the nose. Together with a great balance and uplifting English acidity.