English Sparkling Wine – real class in a glass
Albourne Estate Multi-Vintage Brut
Champagne-like : brilliant value Sparking Wine from West Sussex
In Spring 2019 we were excited to hear that Alison Nightingale of Albourne Estate was about to release her first Multi-Vintage Sparkler! Alison, who established the vineyard and winery in 2010, is now in a position with sufficient high quality reserve wine to make what others call a ‘Non Vintage’ Sparkling Wine, but she has decided to call it something different. We are pleased to say it has now arrived at Bush Vines!
As its name suggests this wine is made of selected base wines from multiple vintages to produce an approachable, expressive and immediately enjoyable style. It is made from selected, hand-picked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes and it is very champagne like at a great price.
Aromas of brioche, dried apricots, nuts and hints of candied peel. It is generous, soft, refreshing and elegant on the palate. It has great length and a sustained mousse of fine bubbles. We are already fans of Albourne Estate Vintage Sparkling (and still) wines; this is very much in the same classy league and represents excellent value.
Albourne Estate has just under 11 hectares (30 acres) in gently rolling hills, near Hassocks in West Sussex, with stunning views to the Devils Dyke. The vineyards were planted in 2010 when Alison Nightingale (co-owner) finally found the site she had been looking for which ticked all the boxes to provide excellent drainage, low frost risk and maximum sun exposure; critical factors in achieving successful vine growth and grape ripeness at this northerly latitude. 2013 was their first vintage.
Alison’s decision in the early 2000s to leave her high-flying corporate role to spend more time with her young family, was a wise decision and despite all the challenges of growing vines in our marginal climate, her decision has been vindicated in the production of great quality wines. She won the Trophy for UK Wine of the Year in 2015 with her Bacchus 2014, and was the first to produce a lovely Vermouth in West Sussex!