Walgate Wines Chardonnay 2022

Bright and energetic, this Chardonnay is a perfect example of a new breed of English wines, demonstrating a capacity to produce wines with a sense of place and purpose. I adore it.

With a subtle funk (which quickly develops in the glass) this Chardonnay leads with crisp apple and lemon zest, underpinned by a fine chalky texture, appealing nuttiness and a whisper of tangy salinity. There’s a lovely sense of restraint, but that doesn't detract from the excitement. A subtle, moreish wine with real poise and clarity.

Ben Walgate, formerly of Tillingham, has carved out a distinctive niche in English winemaking with his eponymous label, Walgate Wines. Operating from a converted warehouse in Rye, East Sussex, Walgate focuses on producing wines that reflect both place and precision. Walgate's commitment to low-intervention techniques results in wines that are both expressive and refined, marking him as a leading figure in the evolution of English still wines.