Light Bites: Favourite fizz

With Sussex winning global recognition for its fine sparkling wines it comes as no surprise to hear that once again the gongs have headed this way.

I first tasted Court Garden Vineyard’s wine at a Mixology Group tasting in Davigdor Road. It was up against the better known English sparklers but for my money came out on top. The only thing I thought let it down was the packaging.

I tasted it again at the launch of the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival Spring Harvest and this time was impressed not only by the wine but by the redesign which gave it the edge it needed to stand alongside some of the bigger brands.
Now I hear that Court Garden Vineyard in Ditchling has won two awards, picking up bronze at The South East Wine of the Year Awards and scooping first place in the Sparkling Wine category at the national ‘Designs on Wine’ competition, run by English wine promoters ukvine.

The Sussex Vineyard won the awards for their Court Garden 2009 Vintage Classic Cuvée, fending off competition from esteemed vineyards and wineries in the region and achieving the highest competition result for a 2009 classic blend of sparkling wine.

“We are thrilled to receive these awards which reflect the superb quality of this sparkling wine both inside and out,” said Howard Corney, joint owner of Court Garden Vineyard.

“The label features pen and ink drawings by the acclaimed illustrator John Vernon Lord, including a beautiful drawing of our farmhouse at Court Garden in Ditchling, and was a collaborative effort between John, graphic designer Pieter May and myself.”

Congratulations to them all and get tasting, it really is great! www.courtgarden.com