News

Chapel Down launches limited edition sparkling wine for the Coronation

30 March 2023 By Christian Smith

Kent-based English wine producer Chapel Down has announced the launch of a limited edition English sparkling wine from the “exceptional” 2016 vintage to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. All profits from the sale of the Chapel Down Coronation Edition 2016 will be donated to charity partner the Royal British Legion.

Just 2,000 bottles of the Chapel Down Coronation Edition 2016 will be released. The liquid inside the specially-designed bottle replete with Union Jack flag hails from the “exceptional” 2016 vintage, which was characterised by cool weather during the growing season and a warm, dry August and September.

The limited edition bottling is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier aged on the lees for five-and-a-half years before its release.

Chapel Down’s head winemaker, Josh Donaghay-Spire, who was named in db’s Master Winemaker 100 this year, described the fizz as boasting “complex aromas of ripe apple, fresh red berries and toasted brioche” making it “perfect for grand celebrations”.

Chapel Down Coronation Edition 2016 has an RRP of £65 and will be available to purchase via the winery’s website, in select stores including Harvey Nichols, Fenwick, Hedonism Wines, Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, and in the on-trade at The Hand and Flowers, and the Oxo Tower Restaurant.

Chapel Down chief executive Andrew Carter commented:

“Whilst this is a moment for great celebration, it is also a moment of reflection and of giving back to those that protect our great nation. For that reason, we are proud to be donating the profits from the sale of this wine to the Royal British Legion, a charity that supports members of the Armed Forces community and their families. We are also running a number of wider fundraising initiatives to support the Royal British Legion.”

Ben France, head of corporate partnerships at the Royal British Legion, added:

“We are grateful that Chapel Down will be donating profits from the sale of its Coronation Edition English sparkling wine to the Royal British Legion. The RBL provides a lifeline for serving personnel, veterans and their families, supporting them in the face of hardships, injuries and bereavements. As the nation comes together to celebrate the crowning of a new monarch, the money raised from this Coronation Edition wine will help the RBL continue its vital work supporting the Armed Forces community throughout their lives.”

Earlier this week, Chapel Down announced strong results in its financial performance in the year ended 31 December 2022, as well as considerable growth plans, including extending its plantings to 414 hectares by 2024. You can read more on that here.

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