Lyme Bay, Bacchus, 2021
Lyme Bay, Bacchus, 2021
- 75cl
- 11.5%
- White Still
- Bacchus
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2027
Lyme Bay Bacchus NV offers aromatic notes of elderflower and green fruit, delivering a crisp and refreshing profile. With its vibrant acidity and delicate floral character, it pairs beautifully with light salads and seafood dishes.
Enjoy the 2021 Bacchus now to capture its fruit and floral character. Over the next year, the elderflower aromatics will remain prominent while the acidity softens slightly, making it even more approachable. By 2028, the wine will still be pleasant but may lose some of its vibrant freshness. English whites like this are designed for early drinking rather than long cellaring.
Food Pairings
In Devon, this would be the natural partner to the county's famous seafood: fresh Brixham crab, Salcombe scallops, or simply grilled mackerel with samphire. The wine's acidity cuts through rich Devon clotted cream in fish pies, while its elderflower character complements local asparagus and broad beans. Traditional Devon cider-braised pork would work beautifully, as would the county's excellent goat's cheese from producers like Beenleigh Blue.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to showcase the wine's crisp freshness. No need to decant - pour straight from the bottle into medium-sized white wine glasses. The wine benefits from being opened just before serving to preserve its vibrant aromatics. If you're serving with food, let it warm slightly to 10-12°C to allow the elderflower character to fully express itself.
The vineyards benefit from Devon's unique position between Dartmoor and the English Channel, creating a temperate maritime climate with protection from harsh winds. The soils are predominantly limestone-based with good drainage, allowing the vines to develop concentrated flavours while retaining the crisp acidity that defines quality English white wine. The coastal proximity moderates temperature swings and extends the growing season.
English wine has no formal appellation system like France's AOC, but Devon's coastal vineyards have carved out a reputation for elegant, food-friendly whites. The county's limestone geology and maritime influence create ideal conditions for aromatic varieties like Bacchus, Ortega, and Pinot Grigio. Devon producers focus on expressing their unique terroir rather than following prescribed regional rules.
The 2021 vintage in Devon caught producers by surprise with its generosity. After a promising spring, the summer delivered the warm, settled conditions that English sparkling wine desperately needs, allowing grapes to ripen steadily without the usual September panic. We found ourselves with one of those rare English vintages where harvest decisions were driven by optimal ripeness rather than racing against the weather.
What emerged from Devon's chalky soils was fruit with real concentration and natural balance. The Pinot Noir showed particular promise, developing the colour and structure that makes proper English sparkling wine possible, while Chardonnay retained its characteristic freshness despite the warmer conditions. Most 2021 Devon sparklers are drinking beautifully now, showing that immediate charm which marks out the better English vintages, though the best examples will happily develop for another three to five years in your cellar.
FAQs
What does this Bacchus taste like?
Fresh and floral with elderflower, green apple, and citrus flavours, plus crisp acidity and a clean mineral finish.
When should I drink this wine?
Drink it now while young and fresh - it's at its peak and designed for immediate enjoyment rather than cellaring.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with seafood, particularly crab and scallops, plus light salads, goat's cheese, and asparagus dishes.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in medium white wine glasses, straight from the bottle without decanting.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
No, this style is best enjoyed young to capture its vibrant freshness and floral character - drink by 2028.
What makes English Bacchus special?
Bacchus thrives in England's cool climate, producing distinctive elderflower aromatics and crisp acidity that's perfect for our food and weather.
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