The Evolution of Evolution: Our Regional Sparkling Wine Journey

Join us to discover the evolution of our house favourite, Evolution, a regional sparkling wine that has captured the hearts and palates of wine enthusiasts. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Stevens, our managing director, to delve into the story behind Evolution. In our conversation, Mark shares the passion, innovation, and dedication that makes Evolution a standout English sparkling wine, and how this exceptional wine came to be.

The Birth of Evolution

In 2018, we embarked on an exciting journey to create Evolution, a sparkling wine that would set itself apart in the regional market. The idea stemmed from our observation of the grape varieties available to us, with a particular focus on Seyval Blanc. This grape, although one of the most planted varieties in the UK, is not traditionally permitted for English sparkling wine production. Despite this, we saw potential in Seyval Blanc’s characteristics and decided to create something innovative.

The Inspiration Behind Evolution

Our vineyard already produced traditional method sparkling wines like our LXX and Isadora Sparkling Rosé wine. However, we wanted to craft a wine that was vibrant, fresh, and fruit-driven—qualities that make for an easy-drinking and palatable sparkling wine suitable for any occasion. We knew we couldn’t follow the traditional path, so we chose to innovate.

A Bold Leap in Winemaking

We examined the traditional method of sparkling wine production and decided to take a bold step. While regulations require a minimum aging period of nine months, we shortened this to just four months. This was a significant leap, sparking much speculation and debate about the risks involved, especially concerning the bubbles’ quality and longevity.

Our vineyard became one of the first to release a sparkling wine just a year after production, a stark contrast to the typical two-year release period. This innovative approach allowed us to bring Evolution to market quickly, offering a fresh and exciting product to our customers.

Connecting with Our Heritage

When it came to naming our new wine, we wanted to honour our location’s heritage and the Shropshire soil in which our vines are planted. Evolution represents not just a wine but our innovative approach to winemaking. This connection to our roots and our forward-thinking mindset is encapsulated in every bottle.

Success and Recognition

Evolution has become one of our most successful wines, garnering awards and recognition that match its unique taste profile. The ethos of evolution has stayed with us, guiding each vintage and allowing us to grow from strength to strength. Evo continues to evolve, reflecting our commitment to innovation and quality in every bottle.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to produce Evolution, we remain dedicated to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions in the sparkling wine industry. Our journey with Evolution is a testament to our belief in innovation and our passion for creating exceptional wines that celebrate both tradition and modernity.

Enjoyed discovering more about our Hencote Wine?

Why not book a wine tour and experience the magic of our vineyard firsthand? Stroll through our vines, savor the exquisite flavors of our wines, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of winemaking. It’s an unforgettable journey that will deepen your appreciation for English wine and the dedication behind every bottle. Explore tour offerings here.

Alternatively, take advantage of our exclusive Summer Case offers and bring home the elegance of Evolution. Shop here and enjoy this vibrant, easy-drinking sparkling wine at a special price. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your wine collection and make every moment a celebration with Evolution.