Overview
England's chalk North and South Downs are geologically identical to Champagne's chalk belts — the same ancient seabed, the same Belemnite chalk. Traditional method sparkling wines from Sussex and Kent now challenge the finest Grande Marque Champagnes. The 2009 Nyetimber Classic Cuvée beat Dom Pérignon in a 2015 blind tasting. The cool, long English ripening season preserves extraordinary natural acidity.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium lemon with fine bubbles
- Nose
- Green apple, Lemon curd, White peach, Chalk and Cream.
- Palate
- England's finest — Champagne's twin on identical chalk, cool-climate electric acidity. Generally light-bodied, electric acidity, dry, with a very long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Light2/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Electric5/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
ChardonnayPinot NoirPinot MeunierPinot Blanc
Aromas And Notes
Green appleLemon curdWhite peachPearBriocheChalkCreamToasted breadWhite flowersHazelnutHoneyBiscuitAlmondToast
Terroir
Cool maritime — long cool growing season, high natural acidity. Chalk and limestone moderate drainage. Warming 1.5°C since 1990.
Chalk (Belemnite)GreensandClay-limestoneSandstone
Food Pairings
Smoked salmonDressed crabOystersCoronation chickenAfternoon tea
Notable Producers
- Nyetimber, founded 1988 - Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage
- Chapel Down, founded 1992 - Kit's Coty Blanc de Blancs
- Ridgeview, founded 1994 - Blanc de Blancs Grosvenor
- Hambledon Vineyard, founded 1952 - Classic Cuvée Premier Cuvée