Gusbourne Estate Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine, Kent, England – 2020 – in half bottle

Made in traditional “methode Champenoise” style from a blend of 76% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, this classy sparkling wine was left for at least 30 months on its lees during its important second fermentation in bottle. It was bottled with 8g/l residual sugar.

Light golden in colour, with a fine delicate mousse. The wine shows bright citrus and orchard fruit notes on the nose, with  lemon, orange peel and green apple. The palate is dominated by orchard fruits with ripe apple and pear, hints of white peach and apricot highlighting subtle notes of toasted brioche and delicate sweet spice. The wine is elegant and round, with a lively freshness and lingering mineral note on the finish.

Perfect with simple fish and chips or with more sophisticated dishes such as halibut and cockles in a butter samphire sauce, or a baked vacherin cheese with garlic and rosemary and crusty bread.