Recalling a sunshine-filled trip to Nyetimber HQ, Robin Torrens highlights why this range is an unmissable selection of English sparkling wines.
We managed to pick an unusually glorious day this September – this year’s Indian Summer remaining steadfastly abroad – to visit England’s pre-eminent producer of Traditional Method sparkling wine (i.e. the same way as champagne). Naturally, the sunshine enhanced the estate's beauty, nestling in the Chilterns.
We were warmly greeted by our hosts for the afternoon, Sophie and Tom, and given our first glass to settle in – the deliciously refreshing, clean-as-a-whistle Classic Cuvée multi-vintage. This sparkling wine is perfect for sitting in the sun, sipping and enjoying the gorgeous view of the garden. Equally, it will make a great celebration fizz. From birthdays to anniversaries and with a certain festive season just around the corner, a bottle of Nyetimber will be sure to add a touch of elegance and finesse to any occasion.
From the estate’s inclusion in the Domesday Book to Nyetimber’s first vines planted over 35 years ago and now to the present day, the estate is full of history and charm. We went on a walking history tour and then pottered up to the nearest of their vineyards, with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes gently ripening on the vines. Here Sophie explained how the local greensand and chalk soils are perfect for making the style of base wines needed for fizz. It’s clear that Nyetimber are passionate about quality, and it shows in the stunning range.
A real pioneer in English sparkling wine, Nyetimber has resolutely made wines from 100% estate-grown grapes. Whilst we saw just a snapshot of their vineyards at the HQ, they also have vineyards dotted over West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent.
At this point, I would like to mention the extremely fine, warm and sunny weather. Again.
Following the vineyard walk, we had a tour around the very modern grape pressing building, deliberately low key on the outside, and lots of stainless steel inside.
Whilst tasting the sophisticated 1086 rosé and white, winemaker Brad Greatrix joined us. We all agreed that these are absolutely fantastic wines, with a complex depth of flavour – these are clearly aimed at the Prestige Cuvée Champagne market. And if these two examples are anything to go by, they are must-try examples of the top-end English sparkling wine offering.
We then returned to the beautiful tasting room, flooded with natural light, to try the rest of the range Nyetimber offer. Whilst we hold many staff tastings, it’s rare for such a large group from Tanners, across a range of departments, to be able to take part in a sit-down tasting on site. Whilst Nyetimber has been a staple sparkling on the shelf for some time now, the trip reaffirmed that the whole range is superb. To be honest, it’s excellent and I would strongly advise anyone with a fondness for champagne to have a try. It’s clear that Nyetimber are passionate about quality, and it shows.
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