Who makes it?

Everflyht Late Release is just one of the fine sparkling wines made on the Ellis family’s estate in Sussex. These vineyards are directly south of London on gently rolling hills. If you are keen to visit, and I would suggest you do if you want to try these wines, you will need to check the open days on their website and book in early. 

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?

This is a late disgorged wine that has been created with care to be a complex and vibrant fizz. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are almost equal partners in the blend, topped with a dollop of Pinot Meunier.  

After pressing, the first fermentation takes place in either stainless steel or in barrel.  Around 14% of the wine undergoes ferment in new and old French oak and also then spends around 10 months in that oak too. The portions are blended and goes into bottle for the second fermentation.

The wine spends over 40 months resting on the lees in the close quarters of that bottle. This gives the wine extra body and texture while keeping the wine fresh longer. 

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

What does it taste like?

This is a bold wine with layers of interest thanks to that careful portion work of oak ferment and maturation and the longer time on lees.  The Late Release is dry with a brut level of sweetness (6 g/l residual sugar). The wine has tight aromas, however the flavours are immediate. Citrus, yes.  But also melon, very ripe stonefruit with a savouriness. Those flavours mellows into a rich brioche finish. It is a round and rich wine on the palate. If you buy it from Everflyht direct, it is very well priced.

What to drink it with?

Everflyht Late Release sparkling is very food worthy, but is just as vivacious without. Seafood and chicken is a natural pairing. Creamy pastas or saffron risotto work just as well as a fresh salad. Also an onion tart or brie and pear tart would be a great choice.

Cheese

Enjoy with a washed rind bloomy cheese such as Epoisses.

Quickie review « Lush and bold.»

Country of Origin: England, UK
Tasting Date: November 2024
Price:  UK £40 | 
Drink: now – 2+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

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

Visit Everflyht for more.