Sugrue South Downs 'The Trouble With Dreams'

Dermot and Ana Sugrue have made their mark with wines that sparkle with energy and precision. As traditional vignerons, they are deeply connected to their vineyards, most notably Bee Tree Vineyard near Lewes, where they are establishing their own winery. Their journey also includes long-term management of Mount Harry and Coldharbour Vineyards in Sussex, where they cultivate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier on pure Sussex chalk.

This elegant sparkling wine, The Trouble With Dreams, is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, sourced from three vineyards: 50% from Mount Harry, 30% from Coldharbour, and 20% from Storrington Priory. Each site brings its own character to the blend: Mount Harry offers steely precision, Coldharbour adds a touch of saline tension, and Storrington Priory delivers roundness and structure.

On the palate, this wine dazzles with bright notes of lemon meringue pie, salted butter, and brioche, all balanced by a mineral core and a long, complex finish. Fermented in stainless steel and neutral oak, it spends four to six years ageing on the lees and a minimum of six months on cork before release, developing impressive complexity and depth.

The 2019 vintage marks a significant evolution, incorporating 30% Coldharbour fruit for the first time, making it more focused and thrilling than ever. Only 7,500 bottles were produced, with a dosage of just 6g/L, making it a limited and highly sought-after release.

Award-winning and critically acclaimed, this electric wine is a standout in UK sparkling production—a true reflection of Sugrue’s meticulous craftsmanship and the unique Sussex terroir.