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Grape Varieties: Chardonnay

About:

One of the most planted grape varieties in the world, Chardonnay is now found in virtually every wine region across the globe. Primarily used for sparkling wine production in the UK, there are increasing examples of varietal still whites and blends using the variety. Classically blended with red varieties, PInot Noir and Pinot Meunier, using the Champagne method, it is also used to make 100% Chardonnay méthode champenoise wines (Blanc de Blancs).

Early bud burst makes it susceptible to damage from frost but in the growing season it can be quite vigorous. Acids can be quite high at harvest (thus making it suitable for sparkling wine) but secondary fermentation (and malolactic fermentation) softens this out.

In sparkling wine, Chardonnay tends to provide the ‘backbone’ and ‘structure’ but flavour characteristics tend to include citrus, apple and orchard fruit notes. In still wines (some of the more successful examples have included those by Chapel Down and Simpsons) there is a similar flavour profile along with peach and apricot notes.

Sparkling Rosé

Hush Heath Balfour Brut Rose 2011

Fresh, clean and elegant English rosé with subtle texture.

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Blanc de Blancs

Exton Park Blanc de Blancs 2011

A beautifully refined wine that is precise and elegant with its distinctive English character.

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White Wine

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Chardonnay 2013

One of England’s finest still wines, textured and unctuous.

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White Wine

Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Chardonnay 2012

A beautifully balanced complex Chardonnay with stone fruit and tropics, from Kent’s Chapel Down.

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Classic Brut

Furleigh Estate Classic Cuvée 2011

A deliciously smooth and creamy English Sparkling from Dorset.

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Blanc de Blancs

Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 1998

A stunningly rich and unique aged Blanc de Blancs from Nyetimber.

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Classic Brut

Hattingley Valley Classic Cuvée 2010

Lovely clean and crisp orchard fruit with delicious toasted nut notes.

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Classic Brut

Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV

Lively, evocative & delightful zesty citrus English Sparkling wine from Hambledon Vineyard in Hampshire.

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Classic Brut

Ridgeview Bloomsbury 2013

A youthful, vibrant & textured English sparkling.

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Classic Brut

Sugrue Pierre ‘The Trouble With Dreams’ 2010

A super-vibrant crisp Sparkling with rich complexity.

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Blanc de Blancs

Balfour Cuvée Skye Blanc de Blancs 2010

A fresh, crisp and textured Blanc de Blancs.

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White Wine

Chapel Down Chardonnay 2011

A wonderfully pure and expressive Chardonnay, with a soft buttery texture.

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Blanc de Blancs

Chapel Down Blanc de Blancs 2010

Another superb Blanc de Blancs vintage with soft textures and spiced biscuit character.

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Sparkling Rosé

Wiston Rosé 2011

One of the all time English Sparking Rosé greats.

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Blanc de Blancs

Hoffmann & Rathbone Blanc de Blancs 2010

A crisp bite with light and creamy mouse and lengthy mineral finish.

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Classic Brut

Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2010

A super elegant English delight.

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Sparkling Rosé

Ridgeview South Ridge Rosé 2011

Rich and creamy on the palate, a refined mouse with red berry notes.

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Classic Brut

Ridgeview South Ridge Brut 2012

Stunning Champagne-like richness, with rich citrus & toasted brioche notes from Ridgeview in Sussex.

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Sparkling Rosé

Jenkyn Place Sparkling Rosé 2009

Light and fresh aperitif style with lots of red berry character.

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Classic Brut

Jenkyn Place Brut Cuvée 2010

This is an excellent Champagne-challenger with rich nose of vibrant citrus, stone fruit and yeasty notes.

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Blanc de Blancs

Bluebell Vineyard Blanc de Blancs 2011

Rich baked pastry palate, big dose of apple and hints of ripe sweetness.

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Blanc de Blancs

Bluebell Vineyard Blanc de Blancs 2010

Really vibrant; nutty complexity, lots of citrus and then hints of honey & pastry.

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Classic Brut

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée 2010

One of the best vintages to date, superb richness and balance.

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Classic Brut

Nutbourne Nutty Brut 2012

Very clean palate, rich zesty flavours with baked apples & pastry notes.

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