Today we make the jaunt across the pond to share one of the great producers of British Sparkling Wine. It is remarkable that Nyetimber have been making sparkling wines for more than thirty years. All estate sourced, Nyetimber crafts their wines from chalky soils that resemble those of Champagne. Their vineyards in Sussex, Hampshire and Kent are surrounded by natural habitats – from native broadleaved woodlands which are managed and replanted, as well as wildflower meadows in various locations at both the Tillington and Manor vineyards that provide food and nesting places for birds and insects. The vineyard has fifty acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the classic varieties of the Champagne region, which are planted on gentle south-facing slopes of greensand soil. Roughly 100,000 vines are planted close together and trained on a single guyot system to create a unique microclimate and distinctive fruit characteristics. Several different clones and rootstocks are planted which add complexity to the wines.
Roughly 30% of the total Nyetimber estate is natural ‘non-productive’ hedgerows, windbreaks, woods, gardens, ponds and meadows. They create wildlife corridors for larger fauna, and where possible, the vineyard team uses sonar, kites and bird bangers as a gentle way of preventing damage to the fruit. Head winemaker Cherie Spriggs, has a illustrious past, including being named ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the 2018 International Wine Challenge. She has crafted some beautiful new sparkling wines.
NV Nyetimer ‘Cuvee Cherie’ Sparkling Wine- Named after the winemaker Cherie Spriggs, this 100% Chardonnay, demi-sec wine was given quite a bit of dosage (38G/L). The nose has sweetened French bread and suggestions of lemon drop aroma that all build in the glass. The palate has really good freshness with medium-sweet orchard fruits with lighter citrus rind and mineral accents. While this carries quite a bit of sweetness, the bright acidity carries the wine. Drink 2020-2025- 90
NV Nyetimber ‘Classic Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- The ‘Classic Cuvee’ is a blend of mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a small portion of Pinot Meunier blended in. The wine was aged form more than three years before disgorgement. Showing off its deep hue, this opens with green papaya and Macadamia nut that meld with the ripe orchard fruits on this expressive bouquet. The palate has really good richness and a silky mousse. The textural elements of the wine really entice. Gorgeous to enjoy right now, this will cellar well for the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 92
NV Nyetimber ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling WIne- The NV Nyetimber ‘Brut Rose’ is another glorious bottling from this killer estate. On the nose this takes on shades of cran-pomegranate with blood orange zest and lighter wild mushroom tones that all collide aromatically. The freshness and verve of the wine is seriously good as layers of bright red fruits dance with minerals, orange rind and the damp earthy undertones. The is simply fantastic stuff to savor right now as this will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade to come. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2010 Nyetimber ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- A truly gorgeous effort, the 2010 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ stands tall amongst the great of British Wines that I have ever sampled. Aged for five years on the lees prior to disgorgement, this takes the lead with shades of damp earth that collide with the bright citrus zest infused sourdough bread tones that all mingle together in the glass. citrus rind and baking spice aromatics taking shape in the glass. Once on the mouth, the wine unveils layers of bright citrus fruit flavors that mingle with shades of peat moss and Japanese pear. The silky mousse truly entices while the brightness of the wine invigorates your senses. Now at the ten year mark the 2010 Nyetimber ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is truly singing and will shine on for more than a decade to come. Drink 2020-2032- 93