Wiston’s vineyard sits on an ancient chalk seam covered by a shallow layer (10-30 cm) of topsoil, an ideal growing medium for vines. As in so many areas producing wines of outstanding quality, it is this chalky soil that is held to impart the complex flavours and structural elegance to the grapes and the wine itself. The tiny yields (15 hl per hectare) are critical to Wiston Estate’s purity, focus and elegance.

Winemaking: The NV wines are a composition of many vintages blended together. The journey of this wine started in 2009 where Wiston reserved a small amount of wine. Each year that they harvest grapes and make wine, they build up the reserve wines. This allows them to create a style consistent year on year and show a piece of Wiston history in every glass. This current iteration is made up of 80% of wine from 2018.

They press whole bunches of grapes through their Coquard basket press, (as used in Champagne), before fermenting in stainless steel and 500 litres oak barrels from Burgundy, then resting on its lees ahead of bottling. After bottling, it is was kept cool and capped (sur lattes) for over two years before being disgorged at a low dosage in Spring 2021.

Weather in 2018: Probably the best vintage of the modern era thanks to the warm summer that produced large volumes of top-quality fruit. While the sparkling wines will be excellent, it is the still wines that are especially promising, especially the Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs.

Technical Information:
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Region: South Downs | West Sussex, England
Lees Ageing: 2 years
Dosage: 9 g/l
Base vintage: 2019
Disgorged: 21st December 2022
Drink: Now to 2026

Tasting Note: The Wiston Blanc de Blancs NV is delightfully fresh with vibrant acidity and impeccable balance. Crisp green apple and delicate notes of kumquat are leading the way with flinty minerality. The wine finishes soft, crisp and clean.