Each month, we spotlight a different wine that’s available to taste in our London Shop at 63 Pall Mall. With summer upon us, London Shop Manager Edwin Dublin has selected this delicious English sparkling wine from Nyetimber.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, Brut, Sussex

What is it?

This month, we’re turning our attention to the iconic English wine producer, Nyetimber.  

Their Classic Cuvée draws on fruit from Sussex and Hampshire to produce this premium sparkling wine. It’s made according to the traditional method, using the three traditional grapes of Champagne: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.   

Unusually for English sparkling wines, there is a high proportion (20%) of reserve (older) wines in the blend, dating from 2015 (the base majority vintage here) to 2009. This gives a creamier mid-palate texture, along with zesty apple, orchard fruit, honeysuckle, and light cherry fruit.   

It’s drinking beautifully now, but could be kept for a few years to develop a slightly toastier finish. 

What’s the story behind it? 

A true pioneer in the vanguard of modern English winemaking, Nyetimber was the first producer of English sparkling wine to exclusively grow the three celebrated grape varieties. Each bottle of Nyetimber is made from one hundred percent estate-grown grapes. Nyetimber is based in Sussex in a manor house, on land first listed in the Domesday Book. It was later a home for Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife. They also have vineyards in Hampshire. 

Begun in 1988 by an American couple, their first vintage wine, the 1992 Blanc de Blancs, caused a debate as to which area of France it came from. Nyetimber wines have since garnered rave reviews and international medals. The current (Dutch) owner Eric Heerema and winemaker Cherie Spriggs are committed to producing wines of exceptional quality. 

What should I drink it with? 

This makes a fine sparkling apéritif but would easily match lighter seafood or vegetable dishes.