Chapel Down to launch ‘world’s first’ Pinot Noir gin

English drinks producer Chapel Down is to launch a pink gin made with Pinot Noir grape distillate this month, which it claims is the first gin to be made using the grape variety.

Housed in a dusty rose bottle, the Pinot Noir Gin follows the same formula as the producer’s previous releases – Bacchus Gin and Chardonnay Vodka – that were unveiled back in November 2017. Billed as the world’s first Pinot Noir gin, the grape distillate is then blended with English wheat spirit.

Produced using grape skins leftover from wine production, the gin joins the limited-edition spirit range called ‘The Spirit of Chapel Down’. It is now available for an exclusive launch period in Selfridges, and direct from the Chapel Down website, and will soon be available more widely in both the on- and off-trade.

The spirit range is packaged in 70cl, custom-made glass bottles designed to represent both distilling and winemaking, for which last year, Chapel Down picked up the award for best design and packaging at The Drinks Business Awards. The bottom half of the bottle is finished in clear cut-glass while the top half is frosted and “denotes the classic shape of a wine bottle”.

The Chapel Down Pinot Noir Gin is bottled at 41.2% ABV and is available for an RRP of £35.

Chapel Down head winemaker, Josh Donaghay-Spire, who created the new gin, said: “Not only have we made use of the skins, we’ve added additional complexity by matching the botanicals with the characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape.

“This means the gin is infused with juniper, coriander, dried red berries, rose buds, citrus fruits, rosehip, angelica and grains of paradise, all of which brilliantly reflect Pinot Noir.

“The result is an aromatic pink gin with delicate aromas of red berries which perfectly balance the juniper led palate and refreshing citrus finish.”

Mark Harvey, managing director of Chapel Down Wine & Spirits says, “Chapel Down Pinot Noir Gin has all the attributes to become a superstar product within our range. There is a subtlety of flavour which has surprised and delighted all that have tasted this gin so far. Unique and delicious, a fantastic new addition to the family!”

Chapel Down has recently unveiled its gin bar and distillery called Gin Works in London’s King’s Cross. It also is scheduled to open its brewery under its Curious Drinks brand in Ashford next month. Housing its beer and cider operation, the new brewery will include a restaurant and shop and will form part of multi-million regeneration project in the area.