THE WINE

The South Downs Cuvée Brut of the Wiston Estate winery is a bland of Chardonnay (60%), Pinot Nero (30%) and Pinot Meunier (30%) grapes that grow in the vineyards owned by the winery. We are located in West Sussex in southern England. Here the vineyards are planted on a pure chalk slope, very similar to the renowned “Côte des Blanc” found in the Champagne region of France.

Winner of the gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2017 and of the “Best Sparkling Trophy” at the Independent English Wine Awards 2019; this brut cuvéè is a refreshing, elegant and complete English sparkling wine.

THE WINEMAKING

The manual harvest takes place between the middle and the end of October. Once in the cellar the grapes are softly pressed separately in whole bunches. For this phase the winery uses the “Coquard” basket press which helps preserve the delicate aromas of the grapes. It is the same press used in the Champagne region. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. After blending the cuvée, the wine is bottled for second fermentation and left to rest on the lees for 42 months.

THE TASTING

Straw yellow with a fine and persistent perlage. The aroma is elegant with pleasant notes of green apple which alternate with hints of ripe lemons; it continues with sensations of dried fruit, to close with hints of bread crust. Fresh and well balanced on the palate, this sparkling wine has a marked acidity that goes well with the creaminess of the sip. Excellent correspondence between aromas and flavor.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Perfect as an aperitif, a must try with cold cuts but also with tapas.