Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2014
WOTM April 2019 A little nervy; tangy apple and vibrant citrus, but it integrates so brilliantly with the supple mousse.
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.
WOTM April 2019 A little nervy; tangy apple and vibrant citrus, but it integrates so brilliantly with the supple mousse.
Baked apple pudding and ripe stone fruit flavours set the stage for an incredibly approachable Blanc de Blancs.
Winemaker: Hattingley Valley Region: Hampshire Wine Type: Blanc de Blancs Vintage: 2013 grape varieties: Chardonnay WINE REVIEW Hattingley Valley’s inaugural Blanc de Blancs 2011 won the title of Best Blanc de Blancs in the World at the 2017 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships. This, the follow-up 2013 vintage, has big boots to fill. With […]
A beautiful sense of purity and an almost powdery, sherbert-like texture.
A welcoming richness that is sure to go down well as we move closer to English summer time.
WOTM March 2019 Seasoned with toasted hazelnuts and mineral tone; a thoroughly captivating English sparkling experience.
Drinking superbly right now, but will be truly exceptional with more time in the bottle.
A fresh and expressive Blanc de Blancs from Harrow & Hope.
Exceptional balance between the rich, ripe, honest English orchard fruit intensity and the developing autolytic richness.
WOTM January 2019 A cut above many examples in the price range and exceptionally good value.
An exceptionally balanced Blanc de Blancs from Nyetimber that is only just entering its stride and with a long life ahead.
A sublime Sussex sparkling demonstrating exceptional development and integration.
Bright and precise, this elegant Blanc de Blancs excels with its focussed orchard fruit flavours and delicate minerality.
A deeper rosé with rich wild strawberry, raspberry and a hint of winter spice.
Both driving and giving, ending on a delicious honey roasted nut complexity that lingers elegantly on the finish.
Probably the best mainstream own-label English wine on the market right now.
Crisp green apple and citrus flavours with flesh peach and textural oak spiciness.
Honeyed pastry notes add weigh to a clean mineral backbone in this delicate but expressive Rosé.
A hugely impressive and appealing wine demonstrating sublime integration and development.
A Perfect balance between the zesty vibrance, the riper stone fruit flavours and nutty, biscuity notes.
A wealth of biscuit, oatmeal and nutty complexity, whilst the texture is smooth, creamy and enveloping.
Rich on the ripe orchard fruit flavours with a decadently creamy, soft mousse.
A delicious, rich Brut Reserve from Gusbourne with lovely nutty complexity.
A lively, crisp palate awaits with a zesty lemon tart zing and lightly honeyed stone fruit flavours.