Henley Bubbly
… two English options …
Could there be anything more quintessentially English than attending Henley Royal Regatta? If your travels take you in that direction, then a perfectly executed English Sparkling Rosé is the ideal partner.
A collection was assembled, duly assessed, and two were the clear favourites.
England’s cool climate helps keep the wines crisp, fresh, and aromatic. Often created from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes that ripen well here, giving the wines a lively mix of red-berry and citrus flavours, a fine mousse, and a touch of elegance.
1 - Black Chalk Wild Rose 2022, Hampshire
As pale as the palest rosé from Provence. There is an exceptional balance between the ripe, superbly textured fruit and the crisply rich, refreshing acidity. It is very well-honed, with the texture of red fruits poised to linger on the palate for a considerable time.
Jacob Leadley and Zoë Driver were part of the winemaking team at Hattingley before establishing Black Chalk, based just outside Andover, about 6 years ago.
The blend for this wine is 57% Pinot Noir, 36% Pinot Meunier, and 7% Chardonnay, with an ABV of 12%, aged on lees for 22 months and on cork for 6 more. Think the finest smoked salmon, trout acquired from the River Test earlier that afternoon, creamy wild mushroom risotto, or a tomato and goat’s cheese tart.
£45.00 - Black Chalk - winery link
2 - Nyetimber Rosé, Sussex
Classy refinement. A flawless example of the exceptional talent that exists in the winemaking team at Nyetimber, led by Cherie Spriggs.
Salmon pink in colour. Very distinct summer berry fruits and toasted brioche on the nose. There is a deliciously refreshing palate with strawberry and raspberry notes, underpinned by crunchy green-apple acidity and rounded by an elegant richness, with excellent length. One could sip this extensively over lunch and just sit back to enjoy the craftsmanship created in this glass. A marriage with shellfish would work very, very well. The current offer at Majestic is exceptional value: stock up for the summer.
£35.00 - six mix - Majestic - merchant link
