Bride Valley, Dorset Chardonnay

England, 2022

The Chardonnay from Bride Valley is always a special bottling—quantities are small, and much of it goes to top restaurants along the south coast. The 2018 vintage put this wine on the map, showing the serious potential of English still wines. The current release builds on that reputation, offering intensity, purity, and real food-friendliness.

Expect ripe green apple, honeydew melon, and lemon blossom on the nose, with a stony edge that adds freshness and depth. The winemaking is deliberately restrained—no heavy oak or overwork—letting the Dorset fruit shine. It’s a wine that pairs beautifully with seafood and creamy dishes, but also holds its own as a glass on its own.