Camel Valley seeks PDO status

Camel Valley Vineyards is aiming to become the UK’s first single grower with Protected Designation of Origin status.

The Cornwall-based winery has applied through DEFRA to the EU for PDO recognition of a small area of vineyard land called Darnibole.

Owner Bob Lindo is hoping that the vineyard’s ancient slate sub-soil and steep south facing slope will quality for the status, which is defined as being “open to products produced, processed and prepared within a specific geographical area, and with features and characteristics attributable to that area.”

The criteria proposed in the Lindo family’s application propose that the PDO status be awarded only to wines made from 100% Bacchus planted on Darnibole, with no acidification, de-acidification or sweetening.

The grapes must also be hand picked and vinified at the adjoining Camel Valley winery, while the finished wine must be comparable with previous vintages to ensure typicity.

Setting out his argument for PDO status, Lindo said: “All previous vintages of Darnibole Bacchus have won a gold medal and critical acclaim, so there is something that we consider to be special about that small area. It produces intense, steely Bacchus with a delicate restrained aroma.”

The Camel Valley Darnibole Bacchus is currently served as part of the tasting menu at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Rock, Cornwall.