Vault tasting highlights biodynamics in Wales

The Vault spring tasting will highlight Wales’s only biodynamic wine estate as it hosts a record number of producers at The Winemakers Club, London.

Ancre Hill Estates, run by Richard and Joy Morris, with their son David as winemaker, is one of only two biodynamic vineyards in the UK, along with Sedlescombe in Sussex.

Ancre Hill owns two vineyard sites in the Wye Valley: the six-acre Folly View principally planted with Chardonnay and Albariño, and the three-acre Town site planted with Pinot Noir.

Plantings at the nearby Newton Court Farm this year will bring the estate’s total vineyard area to around 12 hectares.

First held in October 2014, the Vault Tastings showcase wines from independent importers Tutto, Clark Foyster, Howard Ripley, Gergovie Wines, Carte Blanche Wines and The Winemakers Club.

The spring tasting takes place on 21 March under the vaults at The Winemakers Club in Farringdon.

This year’s tasting will include more producers than ever before, organiser Wieteke Teppema of Howard Ripley said, and for the first time will feature three masterclasses.

As well as the masterclass on biodynamic winemaking in Wales hosted by David Morris of Ancre Hill Wines, there will be a presentation on Franciacorta from artisanal Franciacorta maker Ca Del Vent and a discussion of ‘new wave’ German varieties from organic Baden producer Hans-Peter Ziereisen.

“This is our wine tasting, a reflection of what we do. We don’t just sell wine; we locate amazing producers, taste wine, buy wine, and if we like it, then we bring it to Vault for you to try,” Teppema said.

The tasting will also feature a ‘Guest Table’ manned by small French domaine importer Vine Trail, which will be presenting some of its range of grower Champagne, and Jura and Rhône Valley wines.

In addition, sommelier duo Gergley Barsi Szabo and Donald Edwards will be talking about their winemaking project in Tokaj, Hungary BSE Wines, while music will be provided by Noble Rot’s Dan Keeling.

The Vaults Tasting masterclass programme runs as follows:

1) 12.00-12.45 – Franciacorta: the grapes, the terroir, the method

2) 14.00-14.45 – An insight into new wave German varietals

3) 16.00-16.45 – Biodynamic wine in Wales: if you can do it here you can do it anywhere

Those wishing to attend can register at vaulttastings@thewinemakersclub.co.uk.