Rondo Polgoon Cornwall 2021
Rondo Polgoon Cornwall 2021 is a fresh, light-bodied Cornish red bursting with vibrant hedgerow berry flavours like blackcurrant and plum, rounded out by a smooth, vanilla-spiced finish.
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Rondo Polgoon Cornwall 2021
To taste, it is light, nimble, and refreshing. It washes over the palate with the tart sweetness of redcurrants and the darker depth of damsons, devoid of heavy tannins that might weigh it down. It is a wine of clarity and fruit purity, finishing with a smooth, spicy vanilla note that acts as a gentle punctuation mark. It is a perfect accompaniment to the rusticity of a farmhouse platter, cutting through the fat of pork rillettes or local cheddar with effortless grace.
The Nose The 2021 Rondo opens with a vibrant, fruit-forward bouquet typical of this hardy cool-climate varietal. Expect an immediate hit of hedgerow berries—specifically a mélange of tart redcurrants and deeper, juicier blackcurrants. As the wine breathes, sweeter notes of ripe plum and a distinct autumn fruit character emerge, underpinned by a subtle, warm whisper of vanilla derived from light oaking.
The Palate On the tongue, this vintage is distinctively light-bodied and fresh, often described as having a “Nouveau” style vitality. It avoids the heaviness of hotter-climate reds, offering instead a crisp, energetic acidity that makes the fruit flavors pop. The dominant profile is a basket of dark berries—blackcurrant and damson—interwoven with the brighter zest of red cherry. The texture is approachable and smooth, lacking aggressive tannins, making it an easy-drinking “lunchtime red.”
The Finish The finish is clean and surprisingly lingering for such a light wine. The fruitiness gently recedes to reveal a soft, savory spice and a creamy touch of vanilla that rounds off the experience. It leaves a refreshing impression rather than a heavy coating, making it an ideal palate cleanser for rich charcuterie or Cornish cheeses.
The 2021 Rondo is a quintessential expression of Polgoon’s “single estate” philosophy, grown on the sunny, south-facing slopes overlooking Mount’s Bay in Penzance. As a varietal, Rondo is uniquely suited to the Cornish climate; its thick skin and early ripening allow it to develop deep color and rich berry flavors even in cooler growing seasons. This vintage was crafted using a “Nouveau” style approach, prioritizing fruit purity over heavy extraction. The grapes were hand-harvested and underwent a cold maceration process—soaking the skins in the juice at low temperatures—to draw out the vibrant magenta pigment and fresh aromatics without pulling in harsh tannins
To add complexity to its light frame, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, a process that softens the natural acidity into a creamier texture. It was finished with a delicate oak treatment, likely using staves, which imparts that subtle “kiss” of vanilla and spice found on the finish. Packaged under a screwcap to lock in freshness, this wine is vegan-friendly and represents a modern, approachable style of English red that challenges the perception that the UK is too cold for red winemaking.
Aging Potential
Unlike heavy continental reds built for the cellar, the Polgoon Rondo 2021 is designed for immediate gratification. Its charm lies in its youthful vitality—the “pop” of fresh blackcurrant and red cherry—which is the first characteristic to fade with extended aging. It is a wine constructed on acidity and fruit rather than high tannins, meaning it does not require years of bottle age to soften or “open up.”
Polgoon, located in Penzance, Cornwall, was founded by John and Kim Coulson. The couple discovered a derelict farm on the edge of Penzance in the early 2000s and decided to transform it into a vineyard.
They planted a variety of grapevines, including Rondo, Pinot Noir précoce, Seyval Blanc, Bacchus, and Pinot Noir, on the south-facing, well-draining sandy soil. Despite challenges with Cornwall’s high rainfall, they adapted their farming techniques and even used Spanish polytunnels to protect the vines. Over the years, Polgoon has grown into a successful vineyard, producing both still and sparkling wines
Rondo
Rondo is a dark-skinned interspecific hybrid variety that performs very strongly in cold climates. The variety is a crossing of Sankt-Laurent and Zarya Severa – an obscure Russian variety, prized for its frost-hardiness.
Rondo was first bred in the former Czechoslovakia in 1964, before it was further developed and cultivated at the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute in Germany.
As well as its ability to reliably ripen, Rondo is also well regarded because it is highly resistant to mildew diseases. It consistently produces high-quality, varietal red wine with deep color and good aroma, which a majority of other varieties struggle to do in cold-climates. Rondo is also produced for the use of blending to contribute color and tannins.
- Suitable for Vegans
- Suitable for Vegetarians
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Rondo Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Country
The United Kingdom, traditionally known more for its consumption of wine than its production, is rapidly emerging as a notable wine-producing country, particularly in the realm of sparkling wines. The cooler climate of the UK, once considered less than ideal for viticulture, is now contributing to the production of wines with a distinct character, thanks to warmer summers and grape varieties adapted to these conditions. The chalky limestone soils of Southern England, akin to those found in the Champagne region of France, are proving to be particularly conducive for growing grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which are used to create high-quality sparkling wines. English and Welsh wines, especially the sparkling varieties, have gained significant recognition, often rivaling their continental counterparts in prestigious tastings. With over 700 vineyards spread across Great Britain, the UK’s wine industry, though still in its infancy, is experiencing rapid growth and garnering international acclaim
United Kingdom Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Region
Cornwall, that picturesque corner of England, has been making its mark on the wine scene since 1970. With producers such as Camel Valley the award-winning vineyard, nestled near the Camel River, produces exceptional wines, Trevibban Mill their Orion Skin Fermented 2018 received gold at the Wines of Great Britain Awards and Polgoon a growing range of precise and expressive still and sparkling wines
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Bacchus and Pinot Blanc also thrive in Cornwall’s climate, creating a diverse range of flavors.
Cornwall Wines available at Penventon Hotel
The Producer
Polgoon, located in Penzance, Cornwall, was founded by John and Kim Coulson. The couple discovered a derelict farm on the edge of Penzance in the early 2000s and decided to transform it into a vineyard.
They planted a variety of grapevines, including Rondo, Pinot Noir précoce, Seyval Blanc, Bacchus, and Pinot Noir, on the south-facing, well-draining sandy soil. Despite challenges with Cornwall’s high rainfall, they adapted their farming techniques and even used Spanish polytunnels to protect the vines. Over the years, Polgoon has grown into a successful vineyard, producing both still and sparkling wines
