Chapel Down Brut NV

One of nine varieties of sparkling wine made by Chapel Down on their estate in Kent in South East England. That’s a lot more tastings I need to do (I’ll look forward to it).

Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir from a cool fermentation in stainless steel followed by full malolactic fermentation. Maturation on fine lees in tank for six months before bottling and an average of 18 months further ageing on lees in bottle.

Basically this is the same process as Champagne and similar grapes, but it tastes different to any champagne I’ve tried. Guess it shows the effect climate can have on wine.

Yellow in colour with lovely small tight bubbles and a noticeable fizz. It has the scent of Green mature apples slightly overripe.

It is dry, light and fresh but seems sweeter due to the fruit flavour. In flavour It completely delivers on the overripe green apples along with some citrus tones.

I’m not usually a huge fan of apple flavours in wine but this works. I’d happily drink it again but would like to see the price come down.