Whitewolfe Estates, `KC1` Chardonnay

Whitewolfe Estates was founded by Clare Whitehead and Luke Wolfe, two friends who met studying oenology and viticulture at Plumpton College. They make remarkable Chardonnay from their ten-hectare ‘Whitewolfe’ vineyard that shows why Kit’s Coty, in Kent’s North Downs, is fast becoming one of England’s most sought-after wine regions.

The south-facing ‘Whitewolfe’ vineyard at the base of Blue Bell Hill has a micro-climate that helps protect against heavy rains. Weather fronts that approach from the River Medway (less than 1-kilometre southeast) split just before the vineyard and largely fall on land on either side, increasing the vineyard’s average temperature. Combined with chalk-rich soils that drain freely and retain heat, this results in a longer, more consistent ripening period during England’s unpredictable summers.

Clare and Luke planted the ’Whitewolfe’ vineyard in 2020 with seven Chardonnay clones, to express different characteristics of the site. Clones 95 and 76, which originate from Burgundy, are often used for sparkling winemaking in the UK. However, with the right care and attention, these clones can be ripened to produce wines with fine, elegant aromas and a rich, balanced structure reminiscent of Saint-Aubin or Cru Chablis. Clones such as 96 and 121 (also from Burgundy) provide more ‘typical’ Chardonnay characters with a lively freshness. Each block within the vineyard is managed according to the specifics of its clone.

As the ‘Whitewolfe’ vineyard is still relatively new, Clare and Luke are experimenting in the cellar to discover the best techniques for the site, varying yeasts, press fractions and oak barrels. The resulting wines offer distinctive and varied expressions of the vineyard while still conveying a specific sense of place. ‘KC1’, predominantly made from clones 76, 95 and 121, is fine-tuned and elegant with complex notes of citrus fruit, flinty minerality and crushed oyster shells. Meanwhile, ‘KC2’, made primarily from clones 95 and 121, is more powerful, with a richly textured palate of intense citrus, lemon curd and nuanced, savoury undertones.