Stopham Barrel Fermented Pinot Blanc 2022

Stopham are a merging of Formula One precision engineering, combined with a passion for creativity and self expression. After a full throttle career in Formula One, Sussex native Simon Woodhead (owner and winemaker of Stopham), caught wind of a small plot of well draining, sandy soil which was of little use for agriculture. He snapped it up quickly, and planted it to Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bacchus, circa 2007. 

The two former varietals aren’t ones commonly associated with English wine., and Stopham have since become a flagbearer, inspiring others to follow suit in planting these Alsatian varietals. Meticulous attention to detail and a very well chosen vineyard site allow these grapes to show incredibly well. This wine has been barrel fermented, too, which imparts wonderful texture and softens Pinot Blanc’s incredible, fresh acidity. Though, it started off as a 600 bottle experiment (the equivalent of two barrels). Stopham usually only sell this wine at the cellar door, but thankfully, as we’re good friends, I’ve managed to secure some for Cépage!