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Tasting Notes: November

01.11.24

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4 min read

TO DRINK
TO EAT
TO EXPLORE
TO TRY
TO DISCOVER

Welcome to the debut guest edit of Tasting Notes with the heros of the farm-to-fork movement - The Gladwin Brothers.

Richard, Oliver and Gregory Gladwin grew up in the Sussex countryside and return each Autumn for the grape harvest at their family vineyard in Nutbourne, bringing in the crop for the vintage. Richard and Oliver drive tractors and pick up crates laden with black and green fruit whilst Gregory runs the press and oversees the winemaking. From grape to glass, their wines are produced and bottled onsite.

TO DRINK

At Nutbourne, visitors can join a guided tour on a Saturday in the Summer, but our cellar door is open all year round for tastings. Visitors can sip a glass and tuck into a platter on the windmill balcony overlooking the vines, with stunning views of the South Downs. Following a beautiful watercolor map, they can wander along the vineyard trail and meet our alpacas along the way.

Our London restaurants often host wonderful wine dinners, including very special evenings with the Perrin Family. Visits are by appointment to the beautiful Chateau Beaucastel in the Rhone Valley surrounded by low gobelet vines amongst the round ‘galet’ stones that the region is known for.

TO EAT

Nutbourne’s signature “field blend” is made from a single ferment combining Riesling-style German varietals with Pinot Noir that showcases the vineyard's unique terroir. It is crisp, dry and aromatic with tremendous freshness and wild fruit. For an English aperitivo, sip Sussex Reserve and tuck into smoked mackerel croquettes. These moreish mouthfuls are light, crunchy and full of flavor, topped with a dab of spicy horseradish cream.

We braise our own beef, from cows raised by Gregory, to make a rich casserole topped with crunchy mustard seed croutes – a comforting Winter classic that pairs beautifully with a hearty red. Every vintage the Perrin family turn out an exceptional Coudoulet from 80-year-old vines that grow just outside Châteauneuf, so the wine is immensely rich and filled with fruit. Luscious, silky and full bodied with ripe black cherry and blackberry, it has a wild herb and spice finish.

To finish, this delicious almond cake infused with lemon and rosemary is the perfect partner for a good fizz. Lagache’s rich and complex Blanc de Blancs has notes of bright yellow and citrus fruits, elegant bubbles and a toasted brioche finish.

Discover the recipes here.

TO EXPLORE

Arundel – A picturesque market town perfect for a weekend wander, with antiques shops and a castle famous for its tulip festival. Promenade along the tree-lined avenue of Mill Road and tuck into an icecream from the tearoom lodge by Swanbourne Lake as you slowly pedalo amongst the wildfowl.

Amberley – A charming village full of thatched cottages where it feels like time stands still. Peek at 14th century passion frescoes in the Holy Trinity church, pop into the old school house for distinctive dark blue pottery, then walk up onto the ridge of the Downs. Once you’ve stretched your legs and seen the sea, quench your thirst on the deck of the community-run pub The Sportsman, overlooking the plain of the Pulborough Brooks below, and watch the sun set whilst sipping a local ale.

Twice a year, Bridget Gladwin welcomes a group of artists to Nutbourne to sit amongst the vines and paint. These therapeutic sessions are hosted through the Partnership in Art programme run by the Pallant Gallery in Chichester. You could spend all day shopping and eating in the county town without noticing this world-class collection of Modern British art tucked down a side lane. There are many more hidden treasures to discover, including a bright red Songs of Praise Window by Marc Chagall in the Cathedral and an everchanging programme at the Festival Theatre.

TO TRY

The Parsons Table in Arundel is our local place to go for a special meal – chef Lee produces fine cuisine that highlights wonderful Sussex produce and his wife Liz leads the welcoming front of house team. A charming neighbourhood restaurant that’s a firm favourite of the Gladwin family for celebrations, especially because you can toast with our Nutty Vintage by the glass.

The Dysart in Petersham is another family-run modern British restaurant that brings the best of British produce to town. In Spring, stroll through the colourful Isabella plantation in nearby Richmond Park, then tuck into superb seasonal dishes and fine wines in their relaxed dining room. Barny Taylor’s eatery has a Michelin star for good reason.

Our Local & Wild restaurants in London serve Nutbourne’s range of still and sparkling wines with delicious seasonal dishes. Oliver Gladwin’s Farm to Fork menus include moreish mouthfuls to snack on, English tapas for group feasting and wholesome Sunday roasts at The Shed in Notting Hill, Rabbit British Bistro on the King’s Road, Sussex in Soho, The Black Lamb in Wimbledon and The Pig’s Ear in Chelsea.

TO DISCOVER

Widow Clicquot is a visual treat. The vivid period film tells the story of how the Grand Dame made her reputation, created the infamous Comet vintage and pioneered innovative methods of champagne making, with flashbacks to the widow’s passionate early years of marriage. After watching it you’ll sing to every vine you see.

After a hike along the ridge of the South Downs, Spring Gardens is where we recover, with a frothy coffee and large slice of homemade cake. The café seating is in a gorgeous Victorian glasshouse and rustic huts amongst raised bed of herbs and wildflowers. The farmshop offers local produce, pottery and vintage homewares and you can pick your own fruit from the surrounding fields, to take home with armfuls of dahlia blooms.

Our new release An English Vineyard Cookbook captures the magic of the seasons in delicious recipes from the countryside. With champion ingredients for each month, wine recommendations, foraging tales and Bridget Gladwin’s artwork, it gives a rare insight into a year behind the scenes at a family run vineyard. All proceeds will go to the City Harvest charity.