Ark Wines: A Vineyard Journey in the Heart of East Anglia
The Vineyard: A Vision Blossoms
Ark Wines, nestled in the picturesque Stour Valley in East Anglia, began its journey in 2019. What began as a bold vision has since flourished into a thriving 6-hectare vineyard with over 20,000 vines. Positioned on a gently sloping, north-south facing plot at an altitude of 60-80 meters, the vineyard benefits from the region’s naturally dry and sunny summers, complemented by a gentle south-westerly Atlantic breeze.
The soil, a rich blend of clay and loam, is perfect for growing powerful, voluptuous wines. Clay’s deep subsoil retains moisture and essential minerals, offering a reliable resource during dry spells. Many believe the clay imparts a distinct character to wines, providing a texture that is thick, round, and generous, much like the clay itself. This combination of terroir is reminiscent of renowned wine-growing regions such as Napa Valley, the Barossa Valley, and North-East Pomerol.
The vineyard is home to an impressive array of grape varieties. While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate the landscape, Ark Wines also explores the potential of lesser-known varieties like Pinot Gris, Riesling, Bacchus, Acolon, Pinot Meunier, and Gamay. Each is carefully selected to craft a diverse range of delicious still wines.
The Family: From Sweden to the Vineyards of Suffolk
The story of Ark Wines is as much about family and adventure as it is about winemaking. Over 20 years ago, Hans and Kristin, originally from Sweden, relocated to the UK. In 2018, they discovered Mount Farm, a charming property that would eventually become their forever home. During their search for a barn to renovate, they also saw the potential for a vineyard. With their adventurous spirit, they took the plunge, embarking on the creation of Mount Farm Vineyards, which would later become Ark Wines.
Despite having no prior experience in farming or viticulture, their daughter Amanda was determined to bring their vision to life. She enrolled at Plumpton College, where she studied Wine Production, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to start a vineyard from the ground up. Four years of hard work, passion, and determination later, Ark Wines is proud to present a selection of wines that reflect the dedication and love that have gone into every bottle.
The Winery: Crafting Unique Wines with Innovation
At Ark Wines, the winemaking process begins the moment the grapes are handpicked and transported to the on-site winery. Here, the grapes are sorted and processed with great care to ensure the highest quality wine possible. The winery’s ethos centers around experimentation and innovation, constantly seeking new methods and blends to produce wines with unique character.
One notable example is the Ripasso Noir, a wine created using Acolon grapes that are dried on straw to concentrate their sugars, enhancing the wine’s alcohol content and body. These dried grapes are then blended with Pinot Noir, resulting in a red wine that is warming, rich, and full of depth. The wine pairs wonderfully with game, pasta ragu, aged cheese, or simply enjoyed by a roaring fire on a winter’s evening.
Ark Wines utilizes stainless steel tanks for fermentation, followed by aging in barrels. There is no fixed timeline for aging; the team tastes the wine regularly to determine the perfect moment for bottling. The wine is unfiltered and unfined, although it is racked carefully to minimize sediment. This natural approach allows the wine to evolve and develop complexity, with a unique haze or sediment often present in the bottle, enhancing the aromas and flavors as the wine ages.
