Celebrating the launch of our first wines
June 2026 marks the release of our first wines. It has been quite a journey (and continues to be!) but we are incredibly excited to be releasing two rosé wines this summer.
First up we have made a traditional method (aka ‘Champagne method’) sparkling rosé. The grapes are all from our vineyard - which we planted back in 2021. The grapes were picked - a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 38% Pinot Meunier and 2% Chardonnay. The grapes are fermented mostly in stainless steel - but a small portion was fermented in old oak barrels, which adds a touch of texture and additional layers of flavours to the finished wine. A small percentage of Pinot Noir (4%) was vinified as a red wine - which was then blended in before second fermentation to give the wine its beautiful pale rose colour and bring additional red fruit characters.
Otium Sparkling Rosé - at our beautiful Hampshire vineyard.
Once blended the still wine was then bottled for second fermentation and ageing in bottle for two years. This second fermentation in bottle (which is triggered by an addition of yeast and sugar) gives the wine incredibly fine delicate mousse, and the extended contact with the yeast lees imparts distinctive traditional method characters to the wine - like fresh sourdough or hints of toasted brioche.
Also being released is our first still wine - the Otium ‘Delinquent’ Rosé. Named after our resident peacocks (you can read about them in the previous blog).
Otium ‘Delinquent Rosé’
The blend is also a combination of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. With the still wine the winemaking is a little simpler - and swifter! The grapes were pressed after the 2025 harvest (a really great year thanks to the lovely long dry summer conditions), and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cool temperature to preserve the delicate floral and fresh berry characteristics. The varieties are then blended in the spring after harvest (2026) and bottled for release - encapsulating the fresh, vibrant and ripe character of the vintage. It has a delicate floral nose, with hints of ripe red currants and strawberries, and a fine textured palate - more strawberries and refreshing citrus notes. A perfect English rosé!