Sussex wine producer wins two awards at 'world’s most prestigious wine competition'

A wine producer is "thrilled" after winning two awards in an international competition.

Sussex wine producer Artelium Wine Estate in Streat Lane, Streat, near Hassocks, scooped two gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024.

The estate earned 95 points for both its sparkling Blanc de Blancs 2018 and Curators Cuvée 2018.

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The gold medal status means the wines are in the top four per cent of all that were entered into the competition from around the world.

Julie Bretland, co-founder of Artelium Wine Estate, said: “We’re thrilled to have been awarded not one but two gold medals by Decanter, the world’s most prestigious wine competition.

"We are immensely proud of our wines and this recognition for our wines is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication of the entire Artelium team.”

Judges praised the wines for different reasons in their tasting notes.

Speaking about the Curators Cuvee 2018, the judges said: “Plush orchard fruit, lemon tart and toasted bread aromas intersperse flawlessly with mouth-filling bubbles, zingy acidity and deliciously creamy texture. Very long with an umami finish.”

The vineyard is near Hassocks (Image: Will Hearle for Forest Studio)

The judges, speaking about the Blanc de Blancs 2018, said: “Show-stopping elegance with a firm stony mineral core laced with sumptuous citrus, green apple and pastry notes which pervade the vivacious acidity and buoyant mousse.”

Both wines were produced from the vintage of 2018 after ageing for five years.

The Curators Cuvée costs £38 and the Blanc de Blancs costs £48.

People can tour the estate where the wines were produced for £25.

More information can be found at https://www.artelium.com/.

The first half is a tour of the vineyard where visitors can learn about the history of viticulture in England and how the estate is helping shape its future.

The second half of the tour involves guided wine tasting where people will be able to try three of the estate's sparkling and still wines.

During the tasting, the host will give an insight into the winemaking techniques.

The Decanter World Wine Awards is now in its 21st year and is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition.

The wines were tasted by 243 specialist judges from 33 countries.