THE TROUBLE WITH DREAMS MV (2021)
THE TROUBLE WITH DREAMS MV (2021)
A bit of divine inspiration led to the creation of our signature sparkling wine.
Father Paul McMahon – the head of a monastic order of Catholic priests at Storrington Priory, West Sussex – looked out one day and realised his land could have the potential for planting vines.
He proposed that Dermot nurture a small vineyard at the foot of the South Downs to make wine for the Priory. Dermot agreed, on the condition he could take a portion of the grapes to make his own wine.
The grapes were a great success – so much so that the birds flying over the vineyard devoured them all, ending the hopes of the inaugural 2008 vintage. "That’s the trouble with dreams," quipped Father Paul. The name stuck.
In 2013, we released the first bottles: the 2009, 2010, and 2011 rapidly gained critical acclaim. Since then, The Trouble With Dreams has become recognised as the highest-rated English sparkling and among the world's top 50 wines by Decanter.
Although 2021 was a challenging year, some well-timed warmth in September and October resulted in a small crop of excellent fruit across our South Downs vineyards, to which we have added 60% reserve wines (from 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020).
As a result, this multi-vintage release is astonishingly layered and complex. With chalky minerality and bright acidity at its core, you will find a rich bass note emerge with further bottle age. Drink to 2036+.
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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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GRAPES
60% Chardonnay
40% Pinot Noir
60% reserve wines from 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2011
Dosage: 6g/L, 12% ABV.
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VINEYARDS
Mount Harry Vineyard, East Sussex
Storrington Priory Vineyard, West Sussex
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WINEMAKING
30% fermented in 500L ex-Burgundy barrels of various ages; 70% in stainless steel, without malolactic fermentation.
Bottled in July 2022, followed by 36 months on lees. First disgorged in July 2024.
FOOD PAIRING
In its youth, pair The Trouble With Dreams with super-fresh seafood – oysters, crab, prawns – eaten by the bucketful, ideally with the sun on your face and looking over the ocean.
As the wine gains complexity and richness with time in bottle, it can then handle bolder dishes. Fish and chips is always a winner, but go as posh as the mood takes you. Sun and sea views optional.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
"Perfect for lovers of grower Champagne" Jancis Robinson MW
"The Trouble With Dreams sets a new benchmark for English sparkling wine." Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com
"Dermot Sugrue is one of those winemakers that clearly just gets it. Brilliant wine." Farr Vintners
"Everything about this is fresh, pure, poised and juicy, revealing its serious nature in the long finish and exquisite saltiness." 93 Points, Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous
"Sparkling wine doesn't get much finer than this anywhere, not just in England." Margaret Rand, World of Fine Wine