Since planting their first vines in 1988, Nyetimber have grown to become one of the leading names in the English sparkling wine industry. Nyetimber were the first English producer to create sparkling wine from the holy trinity of grape varieties found in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. They create all their sparkling wines solely from grapes grown on their estate, which now spans over 170-hectares in the South Downs.

Nyetimber 1086 is hand-selected from the finest estate-grown wines and matured on their lees for at least five years in the traditional method. In 1086, almost 1,000 years ago, the peaceful valley of Nitimbreha made its first appearance in recorded history. The estate is mentioned in the Domesday Book, the great survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. It was coined as Nitimbreha likely referring to a newly timbered house or perhaps a small timber plantation. A deference to the rich extensive English history, the 1086 wines are therefore a homage to the estate which has been part of history for almost a millennium. Only 2,600 bottles and 40 magnums produced and each wine spends two years in the bottle post disgorgement.

Weather: 2009 vintage conditions; the average temperatures were as expected judging from the weather in the last decade. The wines progressed as expected. Flowering started around the middle of June under good conditions, vérasions during the last week of August and harvest early in October. Weather in August and September was great with sunshine and warmth, the grapes at the time of harvest were at optimum ripeness.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: West Sussex
Grape Varieties: 46% Chardonnay, 43% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier
Ageing: 6 years on the lees
Disgorged: July 2016
Dosage: 9 g/l
Cork: Mytik Diam Technological
Drink: Now to 2034

Tasting Note: A well balanced acidity on the palate with alluring aromas of honey, pastry and roasted nuts. A smooth mouthfeel with abundance of citrus and orchard fruits. The finish is long and complex with slight brioche notes.