WINE REVIEW
With the first vines being planted at Oxney in 2012, the Sussex producer’s first sparkling wine release was made from the 2014 harvest. The wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and has spent 20 month on the lees prior to disgorging in October.
Curiously the wine has just 4g dosage – one of the lowest I’ve had in England, and was made with minimal fining true to Oxney’s Organic philosophy.
In the glass, the Oxney is an impressive looking wine – surprising colour for such a youthful wine, slightly bronzed. The bubbles are persistent and tiny.
To taste, Classic 2014 continues its elegant profile. Light crisp lemon and green apple flavours with hints of pear. It’s so clean it could be described as austere up front, but there’s a delicate mineral and nutty character that has a lengthy hold.
Whilst certainly not the richest tasting English Sparkling wine out there, the low dosage allows the wine’s subtleties to come through and provides a gentle, elegant drinking experience.
