Hambledon launches its first sparkling rosé

Hampshire-based Hambledon Vineyard has launched its first sparkling rosé wine, Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé.

The Classic Cuvée Rosé is a non-vintage blend comprising 90% Chardonnay, a small proportion of which is fermented in French oak, and 10% Pinot Noir red wine.

Most (95%) of the grapes that have gone into the production of the wine are sourced from estate-grown fruit from the 2014 harvest, however a proportion of tank and barrel-aged reserve wines were also added prior to bottling.

After a minimum of 14 months on the lees, the cuvée has been released with a dosage of 10g/l.

Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé joins Hambledon Première Cuvée and Hambledon Classic Cuvée in the overall Hambledon range. It is available now from Fields, Morris & Verdin with an RSP of £32.50.

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“We wanted to produce a rosé that was fresh and fruity, yet with creamy, complex undertones to showcase the quality of the Chardonnay from our South east-facing chalky slopes on the South Downs,” Hambledon managing director Ian Kellett said.

“I’m delighted with the final result. The cuvée has compelling aromas and flavours of magnolia, wild-strawberry, cranberry and lemon and a rich yeasty finish.”

For the vinification of the Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé, grapes from the 2014 harvest were handpicked before going through a selection process in the winery prior to pressing to ensure only the most mature grapes were used.

The Pinot Noir and the majority of the Chardonnay underwent a slow, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks at about 18°C. Four percent of Chardonnay was fermented in specially selected French oak barrels for extra complexity and structure. After resting for six months, the wines were blended together with the reserve wines prior to bottling.

Hambledon is located on the South Downs in Hampshire and is England’s oldest commercial vineyard, originally established by Major General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones in 1952. The estate has undergone a multi million-pound redevelopment with the goal of producing the best possible multi-vintage English sparkling wines.

In September, Hambledon appointed a new winemaker, Félix Gabillet, to oversee day to day production duties at the estate. Gabillet, 32, from Montlouis in the Loire, will work under the direction of Hambledon head winemaker Hervé Jestin.