Established in 2010 the Rathfinny Wine Estate, near Alfriston in the South Downs of Sussex is in one of England’s exceptional natural landscapes. Rathfinny occupies a perfect south-facing slope, just three miles from the sea, and its climate, chalk soils and aspect make it probably the most perfect place to produce wine in a region that is already producing some of the best, award winning English sparkling wines.

Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs 2016 is the second vintage of their premium Pinot Noir/Meunier blend, produced from grapes grown and hand-harvested on Rathfinny Wine Estate.

Weather:2016 started off with fairly good weather and bud-burst occurred at the normal time. Some vineyards, especially those in West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, suffered from a few late spring frosts which set their vines back (especially Chardonnay) and led to low yields in those vineyards affected. Weather during the planting season was fair with little rain, but from around mid-May to the end of June, conditions were wet and temperatures below average which led to Downy Mildew starting in some vineyards.

Technical Information:
Grape Varieties: 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Meunier
Ageing: 3 years on the lees
Disgorged: January 2020
Dosage: 3 g/l
Drink: Now for 3-4 years

Tasting Note: With a rose-gold glow, this Pinot Noir dominated sparkling delivers an expressive nose of baked Braeburn apples, a textured mousse of morello cherries, and a refined, plum-compote finish.