Lakemont

Lakemont is a white grape variety that remains remarkably rare within the UK wine industry, with just one vineyard cultivating this particular grape in the Wessex region. This scarcity makes Lakemont an intriguing addition to England's expanding viticultural landscape, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to explore something genuinely distinctive within the English wine scene.

The Lakemont grape was developed in New York State during the mid-twentieth century, specifically bred to thrive in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons. This American heritage provides the variety with excellent cold hardiness, making it particularly well-suited to the challenging conditions often encountered by UK vineyards. The grape produces small to medium-sized berries with a pleasing golden-green hue when fully ripe, and it is primarily known for its excellent eating qualities as a table grape.

For UK viticulture specifically, Lakemont offers several compelling characteristics that merit attention from both growers and wine lovers. Its early ripening nature means it can achieve full maturity before autumn weather deteriorates, a significant advantage in Britain's marginal climate. The variety demonstrates good resistance to common fungal diseases that can plague vineyards in humid conditions, reducing the need for intensive intervention throughout the growing season.

When crafted into wine, Lakemont typically produces bright and aromatic expressions with crisp acidity and tropical fruit characteristics. The wines often display notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruits, making them refreshing choices for warm weather drinking. Some English producers may choose to vinify Lakemont as a single varietal, while others might incorporate it into blends to add aromatic complexity and acidity to other grape varieties.

The suitability of Lakemont for English winemaking extends beyond its climatic resilience. The variety's early harvest window allows growers to spread their harvest activities across a longer period, reducing the logistical pressures that can arise during the busy English harvest season. This flexibility proves particularly valuable for smaller vineyards managing multiple grape varieties simultaneously.

While public access to Lakemont-growing vineyards in the UK remains limited, wine enthusiasts interested in exploring this rare variety can often source bottles directly from producers or through specialist English wine retailers. The growing interest in diverse grape varieties within the UK wine industry suggests that Lakemont may gradually gain more prominence as growers continue to experiment with climate-appropriate alternatives to traditional varieties.

English wine continues to gain international recognition, and the inclusion of lesser-known varieties like Lakemont contributes to the diversity and innovation defining the modern UK wine scene. For those seeking to expand their knowledge of English viticulture, exploring wines made from Lakemont offers a fascinating glimpse into the experimental spirit driving the industry forward.