Sussex Vino
Soil types in the southern England
1) Soil in southern England
It is commonly thought that southeast England was once geologically connected to northern France and that the soils are the same as the Champagne region.
Actually, the soil in the Champagne region is composed of various types due to other factors but generally speaking, the Cretaceous limestone/ n chalk soils are the major soils covering the region. It contains rich minerals and the deposited remains of shell/marine microorganisms. Similarly, Cretaceous limestone soils are common in southeast England. Additionally, a soil type called geensand is prevalent especially the South Downs across Sussex and Kent.
The South Downs is a long chalk hill that stretches for over 110 km (68 miles) rising from near Winchester, Hampshire to Eastbourne, East Sussex. Greensand surfaces when chalk has eroded. Greensand is marine sediment containing glauconitic sand and mica. As the name implies greensand is originally green-grey sand in colour but turns white/beige when aged. They accumulated in marine environments during the early Cretaceous period. This geensand along with chalk remind us that this area used to be on the sea floor and the hills of South Downs were at the bottom of the sea.
Greensand is rich in minerals and potassium, and commonly used for organic farming as a fertiliser. Traditionally greensand was also used for moulds in cast iron production because it can retain water effectively and form shapes well.
Wineries plant vines in both soils and it is said that those different soils result in wines that differ in acidity and flavour intensity.
As the soil affects the terroir of Champagne the soils in the southern England similarly affects the terroir of English wines.
Generally chalky or calcareous soils have good water retention ability as well as good water drainage. Capillary action occurs due to its particle structure, therefore, the roots of the vine have to work hard to extract the water in the soil. Furthermore, the hardworking vines develop strong deep roots in the soil which absorb the minerals. The chalk soils are considered ideal to produce high quality wines as wines from grapes grown in this soil have finesse - delicate and elegant characteristics- as well as balanced acidity and concentrated fruit flavour.
*Capillary actions: When a string is put in water, the water moves up and down along the fibers of the string, but a similar phenomenon occurs in the soil.
2) Main grape varieties in England
Grape varieties for sparkling wine production
Permitted grape varieties in PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)
Champagne varieties
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Chardonnay
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Pinot Noir
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Pinot Meunier
Plus
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Pinot Gris
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Pinot Blanc
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Pinot Noir Précoce*
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Labelled "English (or "Welsh) Quality Sparkling Wine"
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Still wines produced under PDO rules are labelled "English (or Welsh) Quality Wine".
Main grape varieties for still wine
About 90 varieties are permitted in PDO and PGI (protected Geographical Indication)
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Bacchus (Silvaner/Riesling x Muller-Thurgau)
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Seyval Blanc
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Muller-Thurgau (Mating Riesling x Madeleine Royale)
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Pinot Noir
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Dornfelder etc
Those varieties are permitted for sparkling wine making in PGI. Wines produced under PGI rules are labelled "English (or Welsh) Regional Sparkling Wine" and "English (or Welsh) Regional Sparkling Wine".
*Pinot Noir Précoce is a mutation of Pinot Noir with red berries flavours similar to Pinot Noir but usually lacks its flavour intensity. In Germany it is called Furburgunder and cultivated mainly in western part of Germany.