Tom Genty's wine flight menu at The Swan at Chapel Down
Wine flight menu at Chapel Down
The superb quality of English fizz is causing a real stir in International wine competitions and tasting circles. It’s quite remarkable for an industry that has only sprung up in the past 25 years, transforming us from a wine-drinking nation into a wine-producing one. Soils in Southern England are very similar to Champagne and our relatively cool climate creates wines with a racy edge that are every bit as good, if not better than our French neighbours.
Chapel Down Winery, just a few miles from the very pretty town of Tenterden in Kent, produces top quality sparkling wine and was the fizz of choice served at Kate and Will’s Royal Wedding celebrations.
To celebrate English Wine Week, I’ll be Mother hosted a journalist lunch at the Wine Kitchen, onsite at the winery with fabulous views across the vineyard.
Despite miserable weather, the tasting menu, created specially by Head Chef Tom Genty was full of summery seasonal Kent ingredients including asparagus, lamb, peas and strawberries. Each dish was specially paired with Chapel Down’s award-winning wines including the Vintage Reserve, Nectar Dessert Wine and the newly released and downright delicious Kit’s Coty Estate Chardonnay.
Sea Trout, Jersey Royals, Asparagus paired with the new release Kit's Coty Chardonnay, 2013
Menu
Canapés (Vintage Reserve Brut)
Pale lemon yellow in colour, the nose is slightly floral with some citrus.
Cider braised Pork Cheek, Celeriac, Apple (Curious Apple Cider)
A pure expression of Kent and its apples drawing inspiration from winemaking.
Sea Trout, Jersey Royals, Asparagus (Kit’s Coty Chardonnay, Chapel Down Vintage 2013)
Rich aromas of apple, apricot and buttered toast with hints of nutmeg.
Lamb Cannon, Confit Breast, Peas, Baby Gem (Passori Rosso, Italy, 2014)
Mulled wine and orange peel hints on the nose and cherry and sweet red fruit on the palate.
Strawberries, Brown Sugar Meringue, Mascarpone Mousse, Mint (Vintage Reserve Rose Brut)
Refreshing and very classy, relying on finesse rather than power.
Cheese (Nectar, Chapel Down Vintage 2014)
Tropical aromas of lychee and pineapple with the floral aromas of honeysuckle, rose and jasmine.