Blackbook, The Mix-up, England 2018

A blend of half Bacchus and half Ortega from vineyards in Kent, the aim here was to make a super-aromatic white with low alcohol, but also a wine with texture and length – too many English wines have aromatics but lack these additional qualities, believes winemaker Sergio Verrillo. The varieties were fermented and vinified separately – the Bacchus in steel only, the Ortega in Burgundy barrels after a period on skins – before being blended before bottling. Drinking beautifully now, all in harmony; tropical fruit salad flavours, textured and with notes of English hedgerow. Would be perfect at a barbecue with spatchcock chicken or lightly spiced ribs, or try it with a soft cheese like Epoisses. (The 2019 Mix-Up Blend will be Pinot Gris and Chardonnay – not yet released.)