Who makes it?

Everflyht Blanc de Noirs is one of the highlights from the Ellis family’s estate in Sussex. The vineyards are directly south of London and if you are keen to visit, you will need to check the open days on their website and book in early. However, having seen their wines recently at a tasting, I would highly recommend that you do.

The wines all come from the family owned vineyards which were planted in 2016. Already, the wines are showing the quality that sets the standard for the future. The focus has always been on sparkling wine, ever since a visit to the Napa Valley. A visit where a love of fizz sparked the momentum to create them.

How do they make it?

The blend for this vintage wine is of about 80% Pinot Noir, and the rest is Pinot Meunier.  After pressing, the first fermentation takes place in either stainless steel or in barrel.  Around 40% of the wine undergoes ferment in new and old French oak and also then spends 7 months in that oak too. The portions are blended and goes into bottle for the second fermentation. It is after all a traditionally made fizz, just as Champagne is. The Everflyht Blanc de Noirs spends over 30 months resting on lees before disgorgement ready for sale. 

Please click here to read ‘What are lees?’ for more information. 

What does it taste like?

This fizz is dry with a brut level of sweetness (6 g/l residual sugar). It is lush in both fruit weight and in creamy texture, thanks to that careful oak treatment. The aromas of buttery brioche and citrus with some underlying strawberry / raspberry fruit depths. On the palate, some savoury eggshell and subtle iodine characters join the fruit. Along with some shortbread and spice. 

There is plenty to love here. 

What to drink it with?

Everflyht Blanc de Noirs is a very versatile wine, as you might expect from this style of sparkling wine. I can personally recommend that this wine goes remarkably well with roasted hake. Especially with a nutty burnt butter sauce. 

Cheese

Enjoy with a washed rind bloomy cheese or a crumbly Caerphilly.

Quickie review « This is a carefully made and complex wine that delivers instant joy and just keeps delivering.»

Country of Origin: England, UK
Tasting Date: November 2024
Price:  UK £50 | 
Drink: now – 2+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Everflyht Blanc de Noirs and other English Sparkling wines, why not check out:
English Sparkling wines wines that you need to taste!

Visit Everflyht for more.