At his farm in Cranbourne Chase, Wiltshire, Hugo Stewart keeps one of the few biodynamic vineyards in England. To grow healthy grapes this way, in this climate, takes something special. In Hugo’s case, that comes from years of experience in biodynamic farming and wine growing that has taken him to the Languedoc and back. Add Daniel Ham - who ranks among England’s best winemakers - to the equation and you get something exceptional. This is small-scale, single vineyard, artisanal sparkling wine at its finest, from the heart of the English countryside.
Back in 2003, Hugo co-founded Les Clos Perdus, a small estate in the Languedoc with biodynamic farming at its core. It wasn’t until 2016 that, back in Wiltshire once more, he took all that he had learned in France and planted Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc on the family farm. Organic and biodynamic from the beginning, the south-facing, chalky site is home to more than 20 species of grass, clover, legumes and herbs, with sheep roaming between the vines. It is a healthy, natural environment with living soils, and it yields wines that crackle with energy and character.
Daniel Ham (of Daniel and Nicola Ham), makes the wine on the farm. His approach is hands-off, with wild fermentations and the judicious use of oak and amphorae for ageing. No sulphur is added and the wine is unfiltered. It’s all about expressing the vineyard and vintage as truly as possible.
Made with skill and care from fruit of the highest quality, Domaine Hugo’s wines have a natural depth of flavour to balance their freshness and elegance. They are the closest thing England has to a true, fine grower Champagne.
