Award season in the wine industry has officially begun and highly acclaimed Langham Wine Estate has just been awarded two Golds and two Silvers in the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) 2024.
The two Golds were given to this dynamic winery’s Corallian Classic Cuvée NV and Blanc de Blancs and the two Silvers to its Rosé and Culver Classic Cuvée NV.
SWA is the only competition aimed solely at the on-trade. Judged by a top panel of leading sommeliers and on-trade drinks buyers, the competition rewards the best wines available to restaurants, bars and hotels in the UK and beyond.
The SWA results help to create and enhance wine lists across the country, whether at a high-end restaurant or a country pub looking for outstanding wines.
Head Winemaker at Langham Wine Estate, Tommy Grimshaw says: “Being awarded Golds and Silvers for all four wines entered is an impressive accolade reflecting our commitment to producing some of the very best English sparkling wines, all of which are intended to be enjoyed with food.
It’s extremely important to us to be recognised by sommeliers, especially by some of the best in the industry.”
Tommy, who takes a creative and low intervention approach to winemaking, continues: “All of our wines are made using grapes grown on Langham’s 75-acre vineyard here in rural Dorset.
With a south-facing aspect, chalk soils and a unique microclimate, Crawthorne Vineyard provides a perfect terroir for ripening the classic Champagne varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are then hand harvested.” On a final note, Tommy adds: “All of the wines in the portfolio are both vegan and vegetarian.”
The winery makes exceptional wines which are not only recognised in this country but have also earned Langham Wine Estate the coveted Best Sparkling Wine Producer award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2020.
The results are in for 2024 and Langham Wine Estate has been awarded two Silvers for its Pinot Noir 2019 and Blanc de Blancs NV.
This spring marks fifteen years since Langham planted its vineyard at Crawthorne Farm, near Dorchester, and to celebrate hosted a 15th Anniversary Party. They are also marking the occasion by planting a further 10 acres of vines, adding to the already established 75 acres.
The awards won in the SWA are as follows:
Langham Wine Estate Corallian, Classic Cuvée NV
‘A great example, with pronounced citrus fruits on the nose and a palate that’s well balanced, with high acidity and a long aftertaste.’
Erik Simonics, Sunset Hospitality Group.
‘This opens with bright, fresh aromas of elderflower and lemon that follow through on the palate. Crisp, with high acidity and a finish that’s packed with citrus fruits.’
Elizabeth Mellish, Gleneagles Townhouse.
£22.37 Size: 75cl Alexander Wines, Lea & Sandeman, Wanderlust
Langham Wine Estate Blanc De Blancs NV
‘Intense on the first sip, with real richness and ripeness of fruit, balance of acidity, and complexity from lees ageing, which leans towards bread dough and biscuit. An aperitif or celebratory wine.’
Stephanie Wangui, Noble Rot.
‘Notes of green apple, crunchy pear and lemon. This is crisp and fresh, with a lasting acidity on the finish.’
Elizabeth Mellish, Gleneagles Townhouse.
£31.20 Size: 75cl Lea & Sandeman, Alexander Wines, Wanderlust
Langham Wine Estate Rosé NV
‘Salmon pink in colour, with notes of freshly-picked cherries and red apple, and a fresh, round palate with a touch of bitterness.’
Erik Simonics, Sunset Hospitality Group.
‘A red fruit dominant sparkling wine with verve and verticality at its core. Wimbledon meets upmarket picnic.’
Stephanie Wangui, Noble Rot.
£24.81 Size: 75cl Alexander Wines, Lea & Sandeman, Wanderlust
Langham Wine Estate Culver, Classic Cuvée NV
‘A celebratory sparkling wine, mature, rich and complex, with great body, acidity and texture, and dried chamomile and biscuit on the finish, as well as a chalkiness. Very gastronomic too.’
Stephanie Wangui, Noble Rot.
‘Subtle, smooth and elegant, with stone fruit notes.’
Erik Simonics, Sunset Hospitality Group.
£22.37 Size: 75cl Alexander Wines, Lea & Sandeman, Wanderlust
