Nyetimber and British Sparkling Wine
I recently read an article in Forbes by the great wine writer Dame Wine about British sparkling wine producer, Nyetimber. While I had the absolute privilege of visiting a couple British sparkling wine producers a few years ago, neither was Nyetimber. However, through some connections, I have been able to at least get my hands on a couple bottles of their wine here in Istanbul.
In her article, Dame Wine gives tasting notes for several of Nyetimber’s vintage sparkling wines. I don’t have those kind of connections! But I have been able to drink the Classic Cuvee on more than one occasion and also got to try the Blanc de Blancs. So, here we go!
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, non-vintage
Nyetimber’s Classic Cuvee combines the three main Champagne grapes from its vineyards West Sussex and Hampshire. The general blend for this cuvee is 55 to 65% Chardonnay, 30 to 40% Pinot Noir, and 5 to 15% Pinot Meunier and incorporates 20-35% reserve wine. Made in the brut style, the wine contains some 8.5 to 10 g/L of residual sugar.
Alcohol: 12% abv
Color: Soft lemon with persistent bubbles
Nose: Intense aromas of lemon curd, lemon blossom, cream, and pie crust
Palate: Dry, dry, dry. I know technically brut is not dry but this is one of the things I so love about sparkling wine. Tight bubbles burst with flavors of tart lemon curd, hints of vanilla, cream, and flaky pastry. A beautiful long finish that tied together all the flavors into some sort of magical, sparkling lemon meringue pie.
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, 2010
As the name suggests, this wine is made with 100% white grapes which in this case means Chardonnay. Particularly Chardonnay from Nyetimber’s West Sussex vineyards. Like the Classic Cuvee, the Blanc de Blancs is made in the brut style and contains 10 g/L residual sugar.
Alcohol: 12% abv
Color: Pale gold with fine bubbles
Nose: Intense but delicate aromas. Floral, citrus, citrus blossom, and a hint of golden apple.
Palate: Frothy and bursting with flavors elevated from the nose followed by vanilla and toast on the long finish. Overall more complex and subtle than the classic cuvee but with the perfect expression of Chardonnay.
Nyetimber has deservedly earned its reputation as a top sparkling wine producer. If you’re anywhere you can get your hands on a bottle (of any of them) it’s absolutely worth the splurge!