Gusbourne 'Guinevere' Boot Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

Winemaking

Gusbourne represents the new wave of English sparkling and still wine production, built on a commitment to precision viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar. The team at Gusbourne approaches each vintage with a focus on expressing the singular character of their Sussex terroir, allowing the fruit and natural acidity to lead rather than overwhelm with oak or extraction.

Tasting Notes

This Chardonnay opens with elegant stone fruit aromatics—white peach and green apple—layered with subtle oak that feels integrated rather than dominant. On the palate, you'll find a refined mineral core with balanced acidity that carries notes of hazelnut and citrus complexity, giving the wine both weight and freshness simultaneously. The finish is crisp and persistent, with a dry, sophisticated conclusion that lingers without fatigue.

Producer

Gusbourne is one of England's most respected producers, working across multiple vineyard sites in Sussex to craft both sparkling and premium still wines. The estate combines modern viticultural science with careful site selection, farming with an eye toward sustainability and long-term vineyard health. Boot Hill Vineyard, from which this Chardonnay comes, represents the producer's commitment to exploring the full potential of English cool-climate viticulture.

Terroir

Boot Hill Vineyard sits in Sussex, in the heart of England's emerging quality wine region, where chalk-influenced soils and a marginal growing season create the ideal conditions for high-acidity, mineral-driven Chardonnay. The south-facing slopes and well-drained soils encourage slow ripening, preserving the crisp acidity and complexity that define the best English whites. Maritime influences moderate temperature swings, allowing the grapes to achieve full phenolic maturity without excessive alcohol.

Food Pairings

Try this alongside seared scallops with brown butter and lemon, where the wine's minerality and acidity will cut through richness beautifully. It's equally at home with a classic pairing of roasted chicken with wild mushroom sauce, where the hazelnut notes echo the earthiness of the dish. For a casual option, it drinks wonderfully with fresh oysters or a well-made crab salad.