Camel Valley
Owned and operated by the Lindo family, Cornwall’s Camel Valley was established in 1989. In 2017, it became the first UK wine producer to receive a Protected Designation Origin (PDO) from the European Union, in relation to its ‘Darnibole’ vineyard, following a five year process that began in 2012. The following year, it became the first English wine producer to gain a Royal Warrant.
In his report, Hewson praises the winery for “quietly doing what they have always done”, growing and sourcing the best grapes possible. He particularly highlights the Camel Valley’s grape sourcing, saying that it is key to its success.
Praising their highly acclaimed Pinot Noir Brut Rosé, he states: “I don’t think the Lindos should hide where some of their most important grapes come from – Essex. Does it matter that Pinot Noir from the other side of the country is actually going into this ‘Cornwall’ wine? Of course not.
“This style of rosé shows up under-ripeness and green flavours with total ruthlessness, and the lack of any of these flavours in Camel Valley’s rosé makes it stand out as a standard bearer for the style. The generosity of the fruit is the reason why the wine works with both high acidity and a high dosage; they have plenty to grab on to and hide behind. If you want to try an English sparkling wine that wouldn’t dream of being labelled a Champagne-alike, this is it.”
Camel Valley has 6.3 hectares of its own vines, and sources external fruit from other sites.
