Move over French Beaujolais Nouveau! We now have British Nouveau – and Balfour Nouveau in particular, born in Kent, the Garden of England, and released a day ahead of our friends across the Channel. ….. Picked, made and bottled in the same year, Balfour Nouveau is a rare and fleeting celebration of the harvest. Traditionally, Nouveau wines are made in southern Beaujolais from Gamay, where long, sun-filled summers ripen the fruit for this vibrant style. After one of the warmest summers in recent memory, Balfour have been able to capture that same youthful energy in Kent with Pinot Noir, perfectly suited to this fresh, early-release expression. This is only the second ever release of Balfour Nouveau, following the sell-out success of 2020, and just 2,000 bottles were made. Bright, lively and brimming with character, it is a wine to enjoy young and raise a glass to the harvest. Made from PInot Noir grapes grown in the Crouch Valley, this first taste of the 2025 harvest was cold-soaked then fermented whole berry for lifted fruit and freshness. A brief rest in old French oak adds subtle texture. Bright, juicy and effortless. Enjoy as is, or give it twenty minutes in the fridge before serving.
