Rathfinny Wine Estate
Sussex, United Kingdom
Rathfinny Wine Estate, located in Sussex, was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, with the first vineyards being planted in 2012. They believed that given the history of viticulture dating back to Roman times, sites with south-slope facing exposure, and chalky soils, they had the potential to create something very special — and indeed, they have.
The region of Sussex sees warmer temperatures and less rainfall than the rest of the UK, but it is not without numerous challenges that the cool, maritime climate viticulture presents. To counteract these issues, Rathfinny employs vineyard management techniques such as double-guyot trellising, which allows for a single layer of canopy leaves to grow, therefore allowing the grape bunches maximum sun exposure to aid in ripening and wind exposure to abate mildew-related diseases. Additionally, the south-facing vineyards enjoy a maritime microclimate due to the proximity to the sea, helping to reduce the risk of spring frost as well as a natural ridge that runs along the vineyard to protect it from severe wind storms. The soil is predominantly free-draining chalk which helps to prevent waterlogged vines.
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier are the main grapes planted and once the grapes are hand harvested and sorted, they are brought to the cellar where they are whole-bunch pressed and patiently matured on lees with low dosage. All wines are made in the traditional method with secondary fermentation occurring in bottle and receiving a minimum of 15 months lees contact.
*Recently, Sussex has been awarded PDO status (a first in the UK) which ensures that high-quality wines that adhere to strict guidelines are being produced only from grapes sourced in Sussex. To gain Sussex PDO status, the wines must contain at least 90% of the stated varietal, 85% of the wine coming from the vintage stated on the label. As well as reducing the use of sulphur and other additives. The wines must also pass a Quality Assessment exam, in which the wine must receive 12 out of 20 to qualify for Sussex PDO status.
