Charles and Ruth Simpson have been making award-winning wines in the South of France since 2002. In 2012, attracted by the quality of the terroir and the opportunity to become part of one of the most dynamic wine producing regions in the world, they brought their expertise back to the UK, establishing Simpsons Wine Estate. Aspiring to produce the finest quality English wine, they gradually planted 30 hectares of vineyards on the iconic chalk terroir of the North Downs and built a state-of-the-art gravity fed winery. They are members of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain. In 2016, the Simpsons saw their first harvest.

The estate is situated in the Elham Valley; an unspoilt seam in the North Downs of Kent where the contours of the land, climate and soil are excellent for viticulture. The intensely lime-rich chalk soil forms part of the same chalk ridge that stretches from southern England to Burgundy. Planted at a density of 4,200 vines per hectare they are grown on south facing slopes, ensuring heat accumulation in the day and cold air drainage at night. The vineyard is less than eight miles from the coast, providing a crucial maritime influence insulating the fruit against intense temperature variations. Grass cover crops between the rows encourage biodiversity within the vineyard. Pruning and harvesting takes place by hand and they are signed up to the WineGB’s Sustainability Scheme.

A garnet-hued Pinot Noir displaying strawberry and sweet spice aromas, with delicate hints of mocha. The elegant tannins are complimented by ripe red cherry flavours, tangy acidity and soft, fine tannins.