THE TROUBLE WITH DREAMS 2020

It was a bit of divine inspiration that led to this exceptional wine. The monastic order of Catholic priests at Our Lady of England Priory in Storrington West Sussex looked out one day and realised that the land they had could have potential for planting vines. Father Paul McMahon reached out to Dermot with a proposition to plant and nurture a small vineyard at the foot of the South Downs and make wine for the priests. Dermot, always having an eye on the future, spoke with Father McMahon and told him that he’d love to plant a vineyard and make wine for the priests, and perhaps in return, he could take a percentage of the grapes to create his own wine. The delighted Father McMahon agreed immediately.

The grapes were a great success, such a success that the birds flying over the vineyard devoured them all, thus ending the hopes of a 2008 vintage. All their dreams, it seemed, at that point at least, were, quite literally, away with the birds. ‘That’s the trouble with dreams’, demurred Father McMahon, but undeterred, and seeing the great potential to make a single vineyard wine, Dermot pressed on.

The first release from the Sugrue South Downs was a 2009 vintage. The now greedy-bird-protected grapes were another great success. The priest’s statement had always stuck with Dermot though, and when the first bottles of wine were produced, they were named after the quiet musing of Father McMahon. ‘The Trouble with Dreams’ 2009 vintage went on sale in 2013 and rapidly gained critical acclaim.

CEPAGE: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir

VINEYARDS: 40% Mount Harry Vineyard, East Sussex, planted 2006 on clay loam overchalk, approx. 70m above sea level. 30% Coldharbour Vineyard, West Sussex, planted 2005 on clay with flints over chalk, approx 65m above sea level. 30% Storrington Priory Vineyard, West Sussex, planted 2006 on sandy loam over chalk and greensand, 50m above sea level

YIELD: Average yield, no spring frosts, however cool temperatures at flowering contributed to low bunch weights across vineyards, none in excess of 5,000kg/ha. 7,500 bottles and 1,000 magnums produced.

VINIFICATION: 50% in 500 Litre Burgundy barrels of various ages, 50% fermented in stainless steel, with no MLF.

MATURATION: Bottled in July 2021 and first disgorged November 2024 at 6g/L.

ANALYSIS: Residual sugar: 6g/L. 12% abv

"An exceptional year with long spells of warm temperatures and higher-than-average light levels, 2020 was picked in perfect conditions, with zero disease pressure and an unusually high level of phenolic ripeness across all varieties. Chardonnay was notable for its advanced maturity, the average vine age of 15 years across the three vineyards allowing easy access to water during periods of drought. Displaying an early sense of maturity and distinct generosity, the 2020 is fruit-forward with growing complexity evident from start to finish, off-set by chalky acidity, which lends a tense backbone balanced by a low dosage of 6g/L."

Dermot Sugrue

PREVIOUS PRAISE FOR THE TROUBLE WITH DREAMS

"Perfect for lovers of grower Champagne" Jancis Robinson MW

"The Trouble with Dreams sets a new benchmark for English sparkling wine." Tamlyn Currin

"Sugrue is one of those winemaker that clearly just gets it. Brilliant wine." Farr Vintners

"Everything about this is fresh, pure, poised and juicy, revealing its serious nature in the long finish and exquisite saltiness." Anne Krebiehl MW

"Opens almost juicily, then grows in elegance and refinement as its structure and stony qualities become apparent. Complete and satisfying." Decanter

"Sparkling wine doesn't get much finer than this anywhere, not just in England." Margaret Rand

In its youth, you can't go wrong pairing this with briny seafood – oysters, crab, prawns, and the like – eaten by the bucketful, with the sun on your face and looking out to sea.

As the wine gains complexity and fleshes out with time in bottle, it can then handle richer dishes. Fish and chips is always a winner. Sun and sea views optional.