Goodworth Chardonnay Brut, Hampshire

Goodworth Chardonnay Brut is a vintage Hampshire sparkling wine from Goodworth Clatford, a small village south of Andover. It is a classic Blancs de Blancs made from only white grapes, in this case, 100% Chardonnay grapes.

Goodworth Clatford Vineyard is located in the village of Goodworth Clatford itself. It is situated in Hampshire’s Test Valley on the River Anton, about two miles east of Andover, the nearest major town. This tiny, boutique vineyard was established by husband and wife team, Mark and Cecilia Haszlakiewicz, who have lived in the village for over 20 years. In 2015 the couple took their first, tentative steps in the wine-making business. Soil samples were taken and it was decided that the old paddock, horses now gone, had the correct aspect with good topsoil cover above solid chalk would be perfect for planting vines.

An acre of vines, 1325 vines in total, were planted with the three main sparkling wine grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) in 2016. The first harvest proper was in 2018 and the first wine was released in 2021. The small size of the vineyard means that the couple are lucky to be able to hand-harvest the grapes with a group of volunteering family, friends and villagers over the course of three days.

The wines are made by the talented wine-making team at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, a family-run vineyard and winery located in Staffordshire. There are four wines produced called Classic Blend, Rosé Blend, Pinot Blend (Blanc de Noirs) and this one, the Chardonnay.

Production is around 2500 bottles per vintage.

Goodworth Classic Blend Brut 2019 is made using the traditional method. It is 100% Chardonnay which spent 4 years on the lees until bottling in March 2024. Dosage 3 g/L.

The neck collar features a trout and a bunch of grapes, a reference to the adjoining crystal clear chalk stream called River Anton, itself a tributary of the River Test (famous for its trout fishing).

Goodworth sparkling wines are available to buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.