Hush Heath Estate

With their aim to create the finest Rose Sparkling Wine, comparable to the great Rose Champagnes. The passion and enthusiasm shared by everyone involved with Balfour Brut Rose has lead them to winning Gold at this years Decanter World Wine awards.

The foundations for success were laid in 2002 when Stephen Skelton MW had a helping hand in establishing, 4.14 acres of vineyard. The sites were chosen for their southerly aspect and shelter from the prevailing south westerly winds both of which help the grapes to capture the maximum amount of sunshine to grow and ripen. Further plantings have seen the vineyard area rise to 12.5 acres in all, in the ratio of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier. The characteristic Wealden Clay that overlies the Tunbridge Wells sands also give the vines ideal conditions for establishment and fruiting with enough moisture even in dry seasons.

"We all feel enormous pride at winning the 2009 Decanter World Wine Gold Medal and first ever UK Trophy following on from our International Wine Challenge Gold Medal and first UK Trophy in 2008. This gives the whole team involved with Balfour Brut Rose a huge boost and provides the encouragement to know that we are on the right track in creating an English Pink Fizz that can compete with the best French Rose Champagnes. The passion with which we grow our grapes and make our wine, combined with enormous attention to detail, has lead to us winning this prestigious award." Richard Balfour-Lynn, Producer