Nyetimber is one of England’s best Sparkling wines and has rightfully earned its acclaim by winning awards ahead of Champagne’s finest. The similarities are more than just the trio of grape varieties or the production methods that are used to produce the wine. The seam of chalk that runs through the Champagne vineyards, also run through some of the Southern England vineyards.

Power and elegance define this wine made from a blend of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. While there is some berry depth to the fruit, the lemon and apple are fresh and crisp and sit in a creamy cinnamon pasty and brioche shell. A long, fine finish of biscuit and citrus is refreshing evening out the fruit. In exceptional years, this fizz can live in the bottle for more than 10 years. I opened a 2000 in 2015 and was very impressed, it is very hard for even the best fizz to remain so fresh, so long after disgorgement.  A vibrant fizz with a story all of its own. Just make sure you make the time to hear it.

Country of Origin: England  Date:         Price:  £35  Drink: now – 5 years  Needs food: no   Source: tasting