Young British Viticulturist Crafts Award-Winning Wines

 Young British Viticulturist Crafts Award-Winning Wines

Young British Viticulturist Crafts Award-Winning Wines(Getty)

In the world of winemaking, age is often associated with the quality of the final product. However, a young British viticulturist named Ashton Kirby has shattered this notion at Bewl Water Vineyard in East Sussex, southeast England.

At the age of twenty, Kirby embarked on his winemaking journey when his parents purchased the vineyard, which was in a state of neglect, three years ago. Since then, this self-proclaimed former townie has garnered recognition for his exceptional skills in crafting wines. His prowess was affirmed this year when his Reserve Cuvée 2018 received the prestigious gold award from WineGB, a renowned British industry association.

In a conversation with Reuters, Kirby proudly pointed out, "These Bacchus grapes are from the 1970s, making them roughly thirty years older than me." He explained that the changing climate in Britain, attributed to global warming, has resulted in the production of outstanding wines from this grape variety. Kirby described these wines as English Sauvignon Blanc, signaling his innovative approach to winemaking.

The University of Reading conducted research last year, shedding light on the profound impact of climate change on British viticulture regions by 2050. The study predicted that rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, particularly in the southeast and east of England, would enable British-grown Chardonnay grapes to consistently yield high-quality still wines.

According to WineGB, the British wine industry is experiencing remarkable growth, with the total vineyard area projected to double by 2032. Ned Awty, the interim CEO of WineGB, expressed excitement about the emergence of a new generation of winemakers unburdened by traditional thinking and invigorated by their youthful enthusiasm. He said, "It's truly thrilling to witness this newfound energy and passion in the industry, unbound by the limitations of the past climate."

Donning a blonde mullet haircut and a heavy metal T-shirt, Kirby regarded his award as a powerful endorsement. He declared, "It's a way for me to announce my presence and demonstrate that I am capable of producing exceptional wines. This recognition serves as proof of my ability."