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's Tillington vineyard is located in the middle of the South Downs National Park, on the narrow greensand strip formed during the Cretaceous Period. The geology is of prime importance here since it has determined the characteristics of the shallow soil above - excellent underlying drainage, low natural fertility - and influences the development of the vine roots. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines grow on a south-facing slope, ranging between a 5% and 10% incline to best capture the sunlight.
Weather: The 2010 vintage began with temperatures slightly lower than previous years and the colder weather was also much drier than before. Early in the season, the weather remained consistent, leading into a late spring and early summer where the buds began to flower in great conditions. The crop was large and the flavours in the grapes benefited from a slow gradual ripening process.
Technical Information:
Vineyards: Tillington
Grape Varieties: 78% Pinot Noir, 22% Chardonnay
Ageing: 4 years on the lees
Dosage: 10 g/l
Cork:
Mytik Diam Technological
Drink: Now to 2025
Tasting Note: A light golden hue. There are toasted notes on the nose that lead to hints of crème brulee. On the palate, levels of strawberry and cherry are present and this leads to a fresh finish that lingers long.