Tillingham “End Grain” 2019
Short Summary:A unique, textural natural white blend from Tillingham Wines (East Sussex, England) — combining aromatic varieties with skin contact and wild fermentation for a vibrant, saline and herb‑infused dry white. (oakbarrel.com.au)
About this wine
Tillingham End Grain 2019 is a small‑batch, minimal‑intervention white wine made at Tillingham Wines, the regenerative and biodynamic project of Ben Walgate based near Rye in East Sussex, England. Tillingham’s approach emphasises ecological biodiversity and low‑impact winemaking, creating expressive, quirky wines that showcase both vineyard character and creative vinification.
Grape varieties & region
Grapes:
Bacchus (≈36%) – aromatic citrus and fresh herbal notes
Madeline Angevine (≈33%) – gentle floral and orchard fruit character
Ortega (≈28%) – stone fruit and textural weight
Müller‑Thurgau (≈3%) – soft fruit and a touch of floral lift
Region: East Sussex, England — a cool climate with maritime influence that gives freshness and tension to white wines from emerging English vineyards.
Tasting notes
Appearance is hazy pale green‑gold with aromatic intensity. Expect elderflower, citrus peel, white peach and light spice on the nose, flowing through to a saline, zesty palate with gripping texture from skin contact. The finish is dry and refreshing with a lingering mineral drive.
Style & winemaking
Produced in a natural, low‑intervention style, End Grain sees varied degrees of skin contact, spontaneous wild fermentations and ageing across concrete, steel and some oak components before blending. The wine is unfined and unfiltered with minimal added sulphur, helping preserve aromatic lift, tactile grip and a sense of place.
Food pairing
Great with:
Fresh oysters and shellfish
Citrus‑dressed salads and asparagus
Thai or lightly spiced fish dishes
Vegetable antipasti and goat cheese
Producer & philosophy
Tillingham Wines — based in Peasmarsh, East Sussex, UK — is a regenerative winemaking project founded by Ben Walgate. Farming organically and biodynamically, Tillingham focuses on low‑intervention natural wines that explore texture, skin contact and creative blends of both classic and lesser‑known grape varieties from English vineyards.
Storage & serving
Store in a cool, dark place and serve chilled (8–10 °C). Best enjoyed young to mid‑term (2023–2027) to capture vibrant aromatics and fresh acidity.
FAQs
Q: What is the style of this wine?A: A dry, textural natural white with skin contact, wild ferment and saline lift.
Q: Where is it from?A: East Sussex, England — part of the dynamic English natural wine scene.
Q: What grape varieties are used?A: A blend of Bacchus, Madeline Angevine, Ortega and Müller‑Thurgau.
Tillingham ‘End Grain’ 2019
Bacchus, Madeline Angevine, Ortega, and Müller Thurgau
20% of the total blend had 3 days skin contact, then fermented in stainless steel, the rest of the blend was whole bunch pressed and also fermented in a stainless steel tank. After alcoholic fermentation all the components were blended, and 10% of the blend went into old french barrels. Bottled after 6 month of ageing.
Tillingham is a natural wine producer, set amongst 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands with far reaching views along the Tillingham River valley and across to the fortified, hill top town of Rye, East Sussex, to the sea and the Romney salt marshes beyond. Tillingham are committed to farming in a diverse, poly-cultural way, with a highly sustainable approach, in conjunction with biodynamics, determined to restore soils to an optimum level of organic matter and microbial and wider ecological diversity.. The winemaking - minimal intervention with a judicious deft touch.