Nation’s grape expectations left shattered

WINE connoisseurs have waited years to taste Scotland’s first to be grown from the grape.

But unfortunately a vineyard owner’s plans appear not to be ripe enough for their delicate palate after they described the wine as undrinkable.

Christopher Trotter, from Aberdeen, hoped to defy the climate and set up his own vineyard in Fife three years ago.

There has been international interest in his bid to make wine in one of Europe’s wettest countries, and the first bottles of “Chateau Largo” have been keenly awaited.

But he admits his first vintage from the Upper Largo vineyard has fallen short of expectations.

“It’s not great,” he said. “We have produced a vintage of, shall we say, a certain quality, but I’m confident the next will be much better.

“We have proved we can grow grapes in the Scottish climate.”

He believes his mistake was not chilling the grapes quickly enough after they were picked, which allowed oxidisation to occur.

Richard Meadows, owner of Great Grog Company, an Edinburgh -based wine merchants, was among the first to sample Chateau Largo.

He said: “It has potential. It’s not yet drinkable but, that said, I enjoyed it in a bizarre, masochistic way.”