Homage to Hogg Stoke Red 2021

This represents the most singular expression of what we create. A single apple variety, oak vinified and aged for 10 months, bottled on cork. A Traditional Method cider that shows a brilliance and precision that you will rarely find. This single variety is made in Homage to the great Robert Hogg. The Victorian pomologist who, single handedly, classified several thousands apple and fruit trees.

From the moment it hit the press, we knew we had something special. I had never experienced this level of concentration, complexity and depth from an apple!

Tasting Note: Rich and central nose full of blackcurrants and spice. Dark chocolate, layered notes of sea salt  spice, pine and leather. The oak and cork ageing show nicely but don't overpower. The palate hits with a gorgeous layer of black fruits and tropical notes then layers with oak, tanning and sweet red fruits. The finish is elegant but also intense with notes of liquorice, blackcurrant and Christmas cake.

Ideal as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to seafood or cold cuts.  The structure will also allow this to tolerate much richer foods if you desire!

Suggested serving temperature of 10C.  

Drink 2026-2036

2021 was a challenging vintage.  A year that saw a number of extremes.  The winter was mild and wet.  The growing season started unseasonably cold with frosts hitting as well as very unsettled and wet weather.  The summer started warm but became more and more unsettled with top temperatures sitting below the 10 year average.  Ripening occurred slowly which pushed back harvest by over 2 weeks.  August and September were wet months.  Harvest for the Stoke Red commenced on the 20th October with pressing occurring within 48 hours.  

As usual, we vinified using a Champagne yeast. We chose a 3 year old Chassin barrel, previously from Bereche et Fils in Ludes. Tasting in barrel throughout early 2022 was a joy. The cider underwent full malolactic fermentation and was bottled in July 2022 under cork.

Disgorgement occurred in February 2026 and each bottle was given a light dosage of 5.1g/ltr.

Number of bottles made:  235

Harvest dates:  20th-21st October.

Blend:  100% Stoke Red from our Oxfordshire orchard.

Ageing:  100% oak vinified and aged for 10 months in a 3 year old barrel previously used in Champagne.

Bottling date:  27/07/2022

Disgorgement date:  26th February 2026

Dosage:  5.1g/ltr (Cane sugar)

Alcohol: 7.8%

Apples: 100% Stoke Red

Bottle size: 750ml