Blending season at Langham Wine Estate is a testament to the team’s creativity, collaboration, and dedication to showcasing Dorset’s unique terroir. The estate looks forward to sharing the results with wine lovers near and far.
Over recent weeks, the Langham winery team has been diligently tasting and evaluating wines from more than 110 barrels, each contributing a unique character to the 2024 vintage.
These barrels, sourced from esteemed regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, are complemented by Langham’s 4000L concrete reserve tanks, 5000L oak foudres, and larger 500L and 600L barrels.
Every barrel is meticulously assessed, with scores and detailed tasting notes recorded to determine its role in the final wines. The winery team then blends small quantities from various parcels, refining combinations before presenting a shortlist to the wider team. Together, they taste and decide which blends will become Langham’s signature cuvées.
Head Winemaker Tommy Grimshaw describes the process: “Blending is the creative, enjoyable part of winemaking where the wines truly take shape. It also reveals how the vintage is developing.”
Col Fondo: Vibrant and Eco-Conscious
Langham approaches its Col Fondo with the same precision as its traditional method sparkling wines, with the team collectively tasting parcels to achieve the perfect balance. Secondary fermentation occurs in the keg, using fresh lees and a touch of sugar to produce a lively, effervescent spritz.
The resulting wine is fresh and juicy, ideal for serving directly from the keg. For 2024, vibrant Chardonnay provides freshness, while reserve Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 2023 lend richness and depth. Sustainability is at the core, with Key kegs crafted from recycled materials and fully recyclable.
Culver Classic Cuvée: A Dorset Treasure
Named after the cretaceous chalk strata beneath Langham’s vines, the Culver Classic Cuvée is a Pinot Noir-dominant blend that showcases the power and richness of its red varieties. This wine exudes opulence and depth, making it an excellent match for food.
Its bouquet offers a delicate balance of cherry, almond blossom, and greengage, followed by a vibrant palate of gala apple and papaya. A creamy mid-palate gives way to a lingering, zesty orange sherbet finish. When crafting Culver, the team prioritises richness and breadth, creating a wine that reflects the essence of Dorset’s terroir.
Visit Langham Wine Estate
For those eager to discover Langham’s craft first hand, the estate invites visitors to book a tour to explore the vineyard and winery or to visit for lunch, where they can savour Langham’s wines paired with locally inspired dishes.
These experiences offer a glimpse into the heart of Dorset’s winemaking heritage.
Fortnum & Mason Winemaker Dinner
On the evening of Tuesday, 3rd June, Langham Wine Estate will feature at Fortnum & Mason for a special Winemaker’s Dinner, celebrating the finest West Country produce. Head Winemaker Tommy Grimshaw will present Langham’s wines alongside the exceptional cuisine of Fortnum’s Executive Chef, Sam White, a fellow West Country native. With only a few tickets remaining, this event promises to be a highlight for food and wine enthusiasts. Book a ticket here
