Ambriel Sparkling

West Sussex

Putting the Nuts back into Nutbourne

Ambriel’s vineyards sit on an ancient greensand ridge with spectacular views over the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. The Outhwaite family produces single estate, English Sparkling wine made in the Traditional Method from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. Nature is at the heart of everything we do: both in the vineyard and in the winery sustainability is important to us. Since 2008 we have planted trees, hedges and wildflowers to promote biodiversity. We recently included a small orchard to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as part of the excellent Treebilee initiative.

Ambriel’s Pledge

We are honoured to offer a pledge to plant a Sweet Chestnut wood to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

Sweet Chestnuts, which have been under attack from Chestnut blight and grey squirrels, returns nuts to our little village of Nutbourne. The Saxons named it knutu burna meaning nut trees with a stream. Appropriately, the Sweet Chestnut wood will be planted near our stream.

It is rumoured that the Romans brought both grapevines and Sweet Chestnuts to Great Britain, so it seems appropriate for a wine estate to plant them. The flowers are an important source of nectar for bees and other insects, while micro-moths are welcome to feed on the leaves and nuts.

In 25 years or so, even people can benefit. They can either grind the nuts into a gluten-free flour or roast them whole – perhaps ‘on an open fire’ in December. Sweet chestnuts are the only nut containing a rich source of vitamin C, but also has vitamin B, magnesium, potassium and iron. The high levels of starch (similar to wheat and twice as high as a potato) could provide valuable nutrition. Like all trees, they will improve the environment by capturing carbon, which will be retained forever in the wood. Sweet chestnut timber is useful in carpentry, joinery and furniture. In due course, perhaps it might make an attractive throne.

We are delighted to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and to offer up our pledge.

Ambriel Sparkling

Nutbourne Ln, Pulborough RH20 2HS