The 2017 growing season started well in the spring with an early budburst followed by dry, sunny weather in May and June and a very early flowering one of the earliest on record. Fortunately, due to favourable conditions at our West Sussex sites, the vines were protected from the late spring frosts that badly affected Northern Europe vineyards and were able to bask in a long, relatively warm ripening period throughout the summer
and autumn months. Picking commenced at the start of October and the fruit benefited from a longer than normal hang time resulting in an excellent quality harvest of perfectly ripe grapes with high sugars and balanced acids. The 2017 growing season will be remembered fondly for its wonderfully elegant sparkling wines with incredible depth of flavour and finesse.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, around 12 - 14C. This has plenty of complex aromas to enjoy so serve it in a wide-rimmed sparkling wine glass if you can. This is a classic sparkling wine which will work really nicely with canapés, wedding cake, Gougères (French cheese puffs!) or smoked salmon dishes. If you want to play with your sparkling wine cocktails, try it with a dash of fine, old Cognac.
Tasting Notes
Rich, yet pale lemon in colour. Notes of baked pears and citrus fruits are layered with a toasty richness and hint of sweet spice. Delicate bubbles linger on the palate leading to a long, beautifully balanced finish. This wine is drinking well now but will undoubtedly, continue to improve with additional bottle age.