HAMPSHIRE Fare is on a mission this Christmas to get as many people as possible toasting the festive season with Hampshire bubbles!

According to a Hampshire Fare spokesman, the county has become recognised globally as a leading wine-making region. “With chalky soil of the same acidity as France’s Champagne region, the quality of the wines being produced here have already proven to be award-winning.”

A not-for-profit community interest organisation whose work is only made possible by the ongoing support of corporate partners and corporate friends, Hampshire Fare has been working with farmers and producers across Hampshire for 25 years.

It has recently awarded a bronze medal in the Beautiful South Awards for the Hampshire Food Festival – in the category Tourism Event of the Year.

Passionate about the benefits of buying locally, the organisation is committed to supporting and promoting the unique and talented local produce and craft communities.

In East Hampshire, Hattingley Valley Vineyard at Lower Wield, south of Alton, and Jenkyn Place at Bentley both produce award-winning sparkling wines, as does Raimes Vineyard at Tichbourne, near Alresford, and Hambledon Vineyard, nearer the coast at Waterlooville.

Given special mention is Hattingley Valley’s Classic Cuvée 2013 – considered a testament to Hattingley’s signature style. After the grapes were harvested, 25 percent of the total blend was barrel fermented in three to four-year-old white Burgundy, giving the wine lovely texture and richness. An elegant, svelte and super pure wine with delicate nose of hedgerow flowers, it is said to have “a finesse, vibrant green fruit and a characteristic toasty flavour”.

The Blanc de Noirs 2013 from Raimes Vineyard, the newest wine from Hampshire released last month, is made with three classic Champagne grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The result is an elegant, pale gold, fresh and well-balanced sparkling wine, bottle fermented in the traditional method.

At Jenkyn Place vineyard, the Blanc de Noir 2010 is said to make “an interesting alternative to your usual Classic Cuvée with a savoury notes alongside ripe pear and golden apples. Its structure and length make it a perfect partner to food, rather than just as an aperitif”.

New on the market, released last month, the Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rose is fermented 96 percent in tank and four percent in French oak barrels. A “whiff of magnolia blossom followed stridently by perfumed wild-strawberry compote with a hint of buttered white sourdough toast” results in a creamy texture with “a clean, crisp, yeasty finish”. 

This Saturday (December 10) the seven vineyards of Hampshire, including Exton Park off A32 south of Alton, and Danebury House Vineyard at Stockbridge will be represented at Cottonwood Vineyard, near Andover, for “Fairy Lights and Fizz” where visitors will be able to taste their wine, with the opportunity to buy. To buy tickets, e-mail [email protected] or call 01264 781851.