Today on The English Bubble, Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs 2016 and Rose de Noirs 2016 with Richard Bampfield MW.
Ridgeview established their home in 1995 in rural Sussex on the edge of the beautiful South Downs. They were one of the first wineries in England to focus solely on the production of sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties. With meticulous attention to detail and expertise in cool climate viticulture, they are producing fruit of excellent ripeness and wonderful natural acidity – perfect for sparkling wine.
The Blanc de Blancs was fermented in stainless steel tanks before secondary bottle fermentation. The best parcels of Ridgeview‘s single home estate Chardonnay are hand selected by the Head Winemaker. Aged for a minimum of 36 months on lees, in purposed built underground cellars before release.
The Rose de Noirs was produced using the Saignée method, which means to ‘bleed’. The colour is extracted pre-pressing by leaving the grapes on their skins for a limited period. Fermented in stainless steel tanks before secondary bottle fermentation. Aged for a minimum of 36 months on lees, in purposed built underground cellars before release. Ridgeview Rose de Noirs was awarded the prestigious Gold at Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships.
93/100 Blanc de Blancs 2016
“From the first vineyard planted by Ridgeview in 1995, this now is the well-deserved vintage Blanc de Blancs. Subtle hints of oyster shell blend in with bright, vivid, pale lemon freshness on the nose. The palate is as bright, as fresh, but it has a creamy, gentle vein as a counterweight and beautifully creamy mousse. There is lovely elegance and brightness. ”
