Whitewolfe Estates is an exciting venture in the world of Chardonnay, founded in 2019 by Clare Whitehead and Luke Wolfe. The duo met while studying at Plumpton College in 2009, where Clare was already working for Bibendum while Luke was transitioning from a mortgage advisor to the world of wine. His journey in the industry led him to Chapel Down, where he spent 7.5 years before establishing a vineyard management consultancy called Agropro, focusing on southeast England.
Initially, Clare and Luke attempted to start a project in 2012 by planning to buy grapes. However, the vintage proved disastrous, and they couldn’t source the grapes they needed. In 2019, they reignited their aspirations, this time focusing on planting their vineyard. They leased 10 hectares of land in Kit’s Coty, known for its unique microclimate and previous acclaim for both still and sparkling Chardonnays produced by Chapel Down.
Their philosophy as growers leads them to allocate 80% of their harvested crop for sparkling and still wine, while the remaining 20% is utilized for their own Whitewolfe wines, necessitating a self-funded approach. Collaborating with Ben Smith at Itasca, they released their first vintage in 2022, utilizing seven different Chardonnay clones and a variety of yeasts to create distinct expressions of their terroir.
The first lineup includes three Chardonnays, each representing unique stylistic approaches. KC1 is characterized by elegance, KC2 delivers power, while KC3 expresses a more vibrant profile. Production varies by year; for instance, in 2023, there was no KC1 produced, while KC3 is consistently made.
As they explore acquiring additional land, costs for leasing range from £300-400 per acre on a 30-year lease, alongside yearly expenses for planting and maintenance. While they farm conventionally, they avoid herbicides and instead practice mid-row mowing. Their management emphasizes canopy care and thorough vineyard upkeep, averaging eight sprays per year with a robust focus on manual labor.
The vineyard’s clay loam soils, over chalk, enhance drainage and vine health. They cultivate the soil to encourage organic material, which has increased significantly since their commencement. The vines are planted densely, utilizing single guyot pruning and are carefully selected for barrel aging based on individual clone characteristics.
Their wines have garnered acclaim:
- Whitewolfe KC3 Chardonnay 2022: Vibrant, powerful, with citrus notes and a touch of richness, earning a score of 92/100.
- Whitewolfe KC1 Chardonnay 2022: Offers lovely aromatics and a balanced palate, receiving a score of 94/100.
- Whitewolfe KC2 Chardonnay 2022: Rich, toasty with energetic flavors and a long finish, rated at 95/100.
For further details on their offerings, visit Whitewolfe Estates.