The 2018 summer will be remembered by many farmers as a year of uncompromising Drought, comparable with the notorious summer of 1976, indelibly etched on the minds of those who experienced it. 

Perhaps one notable difference is that the ’76 drought was confined to the United Kingdom whereas the 2018 drought was felt across the whole planet. Another noticeable difference is that British grape growers, virtually non-existent 42 years ago, have had a universally celebrated harvest of abundantly ripe fruit, that will inevitably lead to a memorably stellar vintage for Wine-lovers.

In Hampshire, Hattingly Valley’s winemaker, Jacob Leadley has started his own small batch sparkling wine, Black Chalk Wine, made in the traditional method, using the three main grapes of Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.