Highlights: two top whites from Tillingham, Sussex, England
I’ve written about Tillingham, one of the UK’s most exciting wineries, before on this site. Here are notes on two recent whites from them that have been quite thrilling.
Tillingham Chardonnay 2020 England
12% alcohol. This is fruit from Essex and Kent, and 70% is fermented and aged in old oak, while 30% is stainless steel. Linear and crystalline with lovely precision. Lemony but with a hint of pear and spice. This is so textural, with fine-grained structure and a touch of salinity. Lovely precision. 94/100
Tillingham Qvevri White 2020 England
A blend of Pinot Blanc (49%, from Crouch Valley vineyard in Essex), Chardonnay (11%, from Woodchurch in Kent) and Auxerrois (40% from Shotney vineyard in Suffolk). The Chardonnay and Auxerrois get 4 days skin contact and are fermented in qvevri, while the Pinot Blanc is pressed to qvevri, where it ferments and ages, and is then transferred to old oak after 6 months. Beautifully aromatic with pear, lemon and orange peel, as well as some table grape. Lovely acidity, but also lots of flavour. Very fine with a spicy finish. Grainy. 94/100
