Submitted by Agnes Finlayson.
Internationally renowned chef Michael Caines MBE is looking forward to the first harvest from the Lympstone Manor vineyard. His intention is to create a premium sparkling wine, Lympstone Manor Cuvée, entirely from his own Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes planted in 2018 on the southwest facing vineyard overlooking the Exe estuary. The wine will be produced in partnership with the award-winning Lyme Bay Winery who Michael has chosen as his winemaking partner.
The first harvest of grapes will be a dream come true for Michael, who, when he first set eyes on the property and estate, immediately envisaged the potential to create a world class vineyard. The unique terroir of this special corner has proved to be a propitious habitat for the grape vine: now only three years in, the vineyard is already well established and set to yield an abundance of high-quality fruit from its 17,500 vines.
The choice of working with Lyme Bay Winery was an important decision for Michael. Devon’s LBW Drinks is recognised as one of the leading English wine producers under the Lyme Bay Winery brand and has gained a reputation for creating award-winning wines which are recognised both nationally and internationally for their exceptional quality.
Michael is as passionate about wine as he is about food. He is looking forward to working closely and personally at all stages of production with Lyme Bay’s talented winemakers on everything from tasting tank samples to deciding on blends, fermentation and ageing.
“I am so excited now to be starting on this adventure to create our first vintage of Lympstone Manor Cuvée,” says Michael. “I have very high hopes that we can produce something truly special and unique. The terroir here is incredible: the vines bask in a protected micro-climate that has been identified as one of the best in the country. Our vineyard team has been assiduously hand-caring for the vines and I am confident that the vineyard will yield outstanding fruit.
“Lyme Bay Winery will be the ideal partner to help me transform grapes into the classic style of premium quality, bottle fermented sparkling wine that I wish to create. Lyme Bay are passionate about producing outstanding still and sparkling wines, many of which we already proudly serve in our Restaurant. I am as impressed by the high quality of their products as well as by their enthusiasm, standards, and ethos which match my own. I am extremely excited to be working with the Lyme Bay team.”
James Lambert, managing director of LBW Drinks added: “We are thrilled to be working with Michael on this project. We share a passion for English wine and for the beautiful county of Devon, which will both be poured into this Cuvée.”
It is anticipated the grape harvest will commence in early to mid-October and the first vintage will be available to enjoy and purchase in 2023 with more to follow.
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