Knightor Winery – Interview With Liam Matthews & David Brocklehurst

There is no denying that English Sparkling Wine is on the rise, becoming an undeniable contender to Traditional Method Sparkling Wines around the world. To the English, it’s becoming a fan favourite and a go-to Glass of Bubbly, its quality is improving year on year and thanks to innovators and those willing to follow their dreams, the choice of English Sparkling Wine is expanding.

In this exclusive feature we speak with Liam Matthews (Sales Manager) & David Brocklehurst (Winemaker), from Knightor Winery, in Cornwall, England, let’s find out a little about their life in the English wine industry.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Journey Into The English Wine Industry Began?

Liam: “My English Wine journey started with Knightor back in 2016 when I was 15 years old. We host weddings & events at the winery and I got hired as a waiter to help deliver those. One day in the summer I stumbled into the winery and helped David and the team bottle the 2015 Madeleine Angevine. After that, I was hooked and spent the next few years between the wedding venue, winery and vineyard. The plan was to go to University and study IT but I did my WSET level 2 and 3 when I was 18 and decided to take on a managerial position at the winery instead (a good idea, thinking back on it!). I took a break from the business in 2022-23 and ran a wine bar in London for a little under a year, before returning to Knightor in a different role where now I spend a lot of time educating consumers on English Wine and showing the industry that English wine is a global player.”

David: “I was always interested in horticulture but I started off aged 16 with a part time job whilst in college working for Nutbourne Vineyards in Sussex. I then worked in numerous other vineyards and like many in the English wine industry then studied viticulture and oenology at Plumpton.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

Liam: “I don’t remember!”

David: “Toasting at a grandparent’s special anniversary, a Louis Roederer magnum of some description, I can’t remember which.”

What Part Of The Wine Making Process Do You Enjoy The Most?

Liam: “Pressing for sure. Winemaking isn’t as romantic as it appears in the books and movies! Pressing often takes place overnight and we are usually passionately shouting at each other at 4am whilst trying to stay awake loading or unloading the press. There is often some downtime whilst the press is going where we get to share stories, we are all very good mates.”

David: “Post-harvest, when you have the rewarding feeling of everything picked, pressed and in the tank.”

When It Comes To Pairing Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

Liam: “Being in Cornwall I always recommend a glass of English Sparkling with fish & chips! I think the acidity in both compliments each other very well.”

David: “I think nothing beats the classic combination of Smoked salmon with a really dry crisp English bubbly.”

You Have An Impressive Range Of Sparkling Wines At Knightor, What Label Would You Recommend A New Customer Try First?

Liam: “I think our 2013 Vintage Cuvée is an exceptional wine. A classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir left to age on lees for a minimum of 5 years before being disgorged and left to reintegrate for another 6 months+.”

David: “My personal favourite would be our Vintage cuvée 2013, a classic English sparkling with over 7 years ageing before being disgorged.”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

Liam: “I remember attending a masterclass on Proseccos from Asolo at London Wine Fair and being taken aback by the history, quality and variety of wines coming out of the region. I highly recommend trying a bottle of Asolo when you get a chance!”

David: “Probably the memory that sticks out would be sitting outside in the sun on the banks of the Loire, tasting Cremants.”

Thank you, Liam & David, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Liam Matthews & David Brocklehurst. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.