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Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2003
Producer
Nyetimber was established in 1988 on what was regarded as the perfect site on which to make sparkling wine in the UK, on the South Downs in the heart of West Sussex...
Just over 14 hectares of gentle, south facing slopes of greensand soil were planted with the traditional Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Ever increasing demand for Nyetimber’s sparkling wines meant that in 2005 the estate had to embark on a rapid expansion programme and the estate has now grown to become the largest vineyard in the UK, comprising 177 hectares under vine. The estate is currently owned and managed by Eric Hereema.
Vineyards
The vines are trained to single guyot and several different clones and rootstocks were selected to spread the harvest period and widen the range of flavours in the wines. The vineyards benefit from a specific microclimate, planted as they are on the north side of the Downs to protect them from the southerly coastal winds. Soils here are chalky and sandy similar in composition to the soils of Champagne. Due to the marginal climate a longer hang time is necessary to allow for better accumulation of flavours. Grass is grown between the rows to reduce unwanted vigour. Harvest is done by hand.
Vinification
The grapes were hand picked in October and loaded into a Magnum Press. Imported from Epernay, it is one of only about 30 in the world, and holds four tonnes of whole bunches at each pressing. The computer controlled programmes are altered according to the vintage and different varieties to allow for variations in skin condition and bunch density. The must was transferred into stainless steel tanks with each vineyard section kept separate. Fermentation lasted approximately 12 days for the base wines from which the wines destined for the final blend were selected. The second fermentation took place in bottle and it then spent five years on its lees before riddling and disgorging. The wine stayed in bottle after disgorging for at least another six months before release.
Tasting Notes
Bright straw yellow with hints of green and a persistent, fine-beaded mousse. On the nose it has a smokey, minerally and powerful lemon character with touches of baked apple, jasmine, vanilla and marzipan. On the palate it is clean and fresh with apple and baked lemon character. Soft and elegant with a long, toasty finish.
| Vintage |
2003 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Chardonnay
|
| Region |
West Sussex |
| Winemaker |
Cherie Spriggs |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
11.5% |
