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EDITOR'S VISIT
Henners may be quintessentially English but the name comes from a French nobleman and it is owned by a company with strong French and South African connections. Christian Davis visits Herstmonceux in East Sussex
Henners describes itself as ‘quintessentially English’ yet it takes its name from Henners du Bois, a French nobleman who fled Paris during the French Revolution in the late 18th Century. Also, due to Manchesterbased Boutinot Wines buying Henners in 2017 (see panel), it is part of a wider group of winemaking, including South Africa and France; with that, come winemakers with years of experience with whom it can collaborate, share knowledge, and ensure that the wines are international quality. Henners is nestled next to the Pevensey Levels Nature Reserve and fewer than 4 miles from the sea in East Sussex, the vineyard was established in the pretty village of Herstmonceux, best known for its 15th Century castle and observatory, in 2007 by one Larry Warr, who claimed to be a direct descendant of du Bois. Planted with the three classic sparkling grape varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the vineyard claims to be in one of the driest, sunniest pockets of England. The vineyard has a significant coastal
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influence, low elevation (24m above sea level) and free-draining clay soils making the site suitable for the production of both sparkling and still wines. Sea breezes are said to be key, minimising frost risk, reducing disease pressure and bringing a ‘crisp salinity’ to Henners’ wines. In the winery, the team takes a non interventionist approach, made possible by the quality of the fruit. Henners has multiple clones and varieties planted to give it a broad palate of wines for final blending and play with reserve wines and oak barrels to contribute character, depth, richness and layers to the wines. The wines are fermented and bottled on-site with its small, dedicated team responsible for every aspect of production. The Henners team plant Chardonnay to create the backbone and skeleton of the wines. Chardonnay is said to give the wines flavours of ripe lemon and the classic Henners freshness and zing. Chardonnay is often a grape variety that they associate with the long finish of its Photos: ©Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic
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