Artelium, Chardonnay, East Sussex, England, 2022

Producer Profile

Curators, collaborators and custodians of English wine making, art and nature, Artelium is a boutique estate in the heart of the East Sussex countryside crafting exceptional English still and sparkling wines.

Founded by Mark Collins and Julie Bretland in 2020, the name Artelium comes from a combination of ‘Art’ and ‘- ium’, a Latin suffix used to denote places where people congregate. In that sense, Artelium is the embodiment of a long-held vision to create a space for people to come together and enjoy wine and art in a beautiful natural setting. The area around their East Sussex home has a proud heritage of artisans, which Mark and Julie wanted to celebrate by being a hub for artistic expression and innovative winemaking. Artelium sees each vintage as an opportunity to create pioneering styles of wine that will shape the future of the industry, using both their own grapes and collaborating with other growers. Mark leads the wine team supported by Owen Elias (one of the UK’s most respected and renowned winemakers and recent addition to the team, South African Solly Monyamane.

Viticulture

Artelium’s Chardonnay was crafted by renowned winemaker Owen Elias with fruit handpicked from East Sussex vineyards, Streat and Harmony from 5 year+ vines on clay loam and chalk soil. Both sites enjoy good natural cold air drainage providing relatively low frost risk.

Winemaking

The grapes were whole bunch pressed before being cold settled for 36 hours. The Chardonnay was racked and fermented in stainless steel, then stabilised and filtered prior to bottling. The 10% Pinot Gris was fermented in third-fill French oak barrique (225l), maturing on lees in barrel for five months prior to blending.

Oak Ageing

Time: 5 Months
Type: French 225 Litre
% wine oaked: 10
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

This multi-layered Chardonnay, with a dash of barrel aged Pinot Gris, evolves in the glass and will age beautifully in bottle. An elegant, poised Chardonnay. Bright lemon citrus with hints of juicy, fresh mango and pineapple at the core. The nose is subtle and refined, not overt. Alongside the fine-lined fruit, there is a subtle note of struck match. The palate follows precisely, a great balance of delicious fruit and tense, lively acidity. The finish is long.

Food Matching

A great wine on its own. Ideal with fresh fish and shellfish, especially white meaty fish such as turbot. A great partner to a herby roast chicken, with simple fresh green salads and light nibbles, or a creamy mushroom dish.