A Red for All Seasons

Over the summer, we loved the trend for chilled reds, extending the “traditional” season for enjoying your favourite fruity Pinot Noir or even an English red wine. At Radlow Hundred, we carefully matched the grapes to our Herefordshire soil and decided to plant the red Rondo grape at our English vineyard. Rondo is a modern hybrid grape variety, originally developed in Germany, and thrives in cooler climates like ours here in Herefordshire. It’s naturally resistant to disease and a lesser-known variety in the UK. In years to come, we’re certain that the Rondo grape will start to cement its place within English red wine production, as a modern English speciality, reflecting its terroir. 

Our Rondo grapes so far have produced deliciously fruity and juicy red wines, with notes of vanilla and dark cherries. As it’s light in tannins and medium-bodied, our Rondo 2023 Vintage is perfectly suited to being served slightly chilled during the summer months. 

But as autumn draws in and the colder nights are upon us, what we love most about our Rondo is its versatility. Though it suits lighter summer drinking, it’s also at home paired with an indulgent, seasonal dessert, such as caramelised apples and custard. Or enjoy it at a meal with friends and family paired with a signature winter beef and kale pie for a cosy night together. 

Whilst English Sparkling wine has firmly established its position within the global wine market, the awareness of still English wine, especially red wine, is still developing and growing. English Sparkling wine now accounts for around 75% of English wine production, whereas still wines, including reds, are often viewed as niche in the market. That’s why we love sharing and talking about our award-winning Rondo. It’s a fantastic talking point around the table and time and again wine drinkers are surprised to find tasty English red wines being made at vineyards just down the road from them. 

This autumn, keep an eye out for English reds on your local menus and use the season as an opportunity to try something new, while supporting an important, growing sector of British farming. If you do spot our Rondo, we’d love to hear what you think! Get in touch with the team via Instagram @RadlowHundred.