The Gladwin Family Journal
Snapshots, Reels and Observations from July, by Peter Gladwin
Long Lost Days Of Summers Past
A summer like this one takes me back to my childhood. Why is it we can only remember endless sunny days with picnics in the woods, sand castles on the beach or climbing trees and searching for new adventures?
Bridget and I have been fortunate to spend time with our multitude of grandchildren this summer - seeing them running around in the garden sprinkler, ice creams dripping harmlessly onto the grass, full of laughter and endless enthusiasm for a newly invented game of chase.
This is a year of magical wild flowers, more bees, ladybirds and butterflies than we have seen in ages and an abundance of home grown and hedgerow produce. It won't last forever so make the season your priority - eat outdoors at every opportunity, cook on a open fire, work on your garden, listen to the birds, and celebrate the English countryside.
Art In The Vines
Vineyards the world over feature beautiful landscapes and inspire artists. As many readers will know, art is integral at Nutbourne - every wine label features a painting by Bridget or Oliver, every available wall is hung with canvasses and throughout the year we have visiting artists.
One such artist, Curtis Tappenden, joined a recent vineyard and winery tour, and sketched throughout. He kindly gave us permission to share some of his delightful pen & ink drawings capturing the day.
There is also a wonderful imitative led by Pallant House Gallery in Chichester called “Partners in Art”. It is a community project to create new opportunities for artistic endeavour and fulfilment. EachS ummer the Pallant Partners in Art visit the vineyard to work in pairs. We are delighted to share some of their work.
This Month's Food Champion: Outside Grown Tomatoes
We of course all now eat tomatoes throughout the year, but when the outdoor growing season finally gets underway you can truly taste the difference. Rather than something wild and exotic as this month's food champion, Oliver has chosen the humble tomato - full of sweetness, flavour and cooking versatility.
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IN THE WILD
• Chanterelle Mushrooms
• Meadow Sweet & Wood Sorrel
• Hedgerow Blackberries, Wild Bilberries and Bullace Plums -
FROM THE COAST
• Dover or Lemon Sole
• Sardines & Mackerel• Scallops
• Line-caught Tuna
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FROM THE LAND
• Mini Cucumbers
• Courgettes
• Summer Squash
• Beans, Peas & Mangetout
• Blackcurrants, Cherries, Gooseberries and now Mulberries - if you are lucky enough to have access to a tree these exquisite berries have started to ripen early this year
SEASONAL RECIPES
Tomato Gazpacho
An exquisitely refreshing, chilled Summer soup using ripe sweet tomatoes. The secret is not to use a food processor or liquidiser - a fine gazpacho is made by pounding or grating the ingredients.
Courgette Carpaccio
Served with Goat’s Cheese, Chili and Pine Nuts, this delightful Summery dish takes moments to prepare - a visual, textured and delicious starter.
Oliver's Thyme Foccacia
Oliver’s bread making is legendary with staff and customers alike - fill your house with the glorious smell of fresh, baking bread and herby Thyme.
AT THE VINEYARD
New Oak Casks
These magnificent oak barrels have arrived from Hermitage in Burgundy ready for the bounty our forthcoming harvest. One will be dedicated to our newest “star wine” the Barrel Fermented Chardonnay - Richard rather flamboyantly describes this wine on the restaurant wine lists as “Burgundy style with Sussex flair”!
The second cask (we hope) will be for a Pinot Noir red. We do not attempt a red wine unless we have a long hot Summer to bring extra ripeness to the grapes. Hopefully this is the one - the crop is about 3 weeks ahead of where it would be usually and the vines are truly enjoying the sunshine.
Fridays in the Vines
We are open to visitors 6 days a week (only closed on Sundays). On Friday evenings we stay open late for Sundowners, so you can drop by for a glass from 5-8pm. On occasion, these include “Burger & Bubbly” evenings, with our own prime beef cooked over vinewood fires and our Nutty Wild sparkling to wash it down. There are 2 more dates for Burger & Bubbly this year - Bank Holiday Monday 25th August and Friday 5th September.
New Vineyard Workers
The growing season in the vines has progressed to the stage where we are stripping off leaves around the bunches to give the berries as much sunlight as possible. This task is normally done by hand but look - 70 new workers are lending a hand! The young lambs do a fabulous job eating weeds, grass and low hanging leaves but timing is crucial, they must be moved on before they yet a taste for the grapes themselves.
LOCAL & WILD UPDATES
Summer Special Menu
Such a hardship, deciding from our restaurant Summer specials! Choose between Beef Tartare or Native Lobster, together with fries and a glass of Sussex Reserve.
See the reel, we can’t get the wine into bottle fast enough! →
Wine of the Month: Chilled Pinot Meunier
Richard is hooked on it! Chilled Red Nutbourne Pinot Meunier combines youthful fruit with an earthy depth. It is our wine of the month at Local & Wild, available by the carafe or glass in all restaurant sites throughout July.
Photography by: Ed Dallimore, Catherine Frawley and Olivia Thomas. Sketches by Curtis Tappenden.