The colour is medium gold, with a fine perlage. On the nose green apple and brioche. In the mouth light, with citrus flavours. The aftertaste is very discreet.
This English sparkling wine is made by blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes grown across Southern England. The wine is re-fermented in the bottle using the traditional method. It is made specifically for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets by Rolling Green Hills, a company controlled by Eric Heerema.
Eric Heerema is a Dutch, who after selling his stakes in the maritime business built by his father bought Nyetimber, considered the benchmark for premium quality English Sparkling wines.
England, although more famous for gin and beer, has been producing wine since Roman Imperial time.
Historically, the country has not been known for the quality of its winemaking, inhibited by its northerly latitude and resulting cool climate. The lack of sunshine and colder temperatures hinders the ripening of the grapes, but since the turn of the millennium natural sugar levels have increased in the vineyard and wines have improved in quality and reputation.
Nowadays, England is considered one of the regions whose wine industry will benefit by the warming effects of climate change.
The majority of the country’s vineyards are located in the southeast, in Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
I bought this bottle at Sainsbury’s in Cambridge for 22 GBP (25 CHF).
Country: UK
Region: Southern England
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Type: Sparkling
Vintage: N/A
Producer: Rolling Green Hills
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5