Hambledon launches sparkling rosé from Meunier

Hampshire-based English sparkling wine producer Hambledon has added a zero dosage sparkling rosé to its range made entirely from Meunier.

Hambledon Première Cuvée Rosé Dosage Zéro is made from hand-picked, estate-grown Meunier grapes from Hambledon’s vineyards in Hampshire.

The grapes underwent a cold soak for 12 hours before fermentation, including MLF, in stainless steel tanks. The sparkler was produced in the saignée method to concentrate flavours, with only the free-run juice used.

After six months on its lees, the wine was blended with reserve wines then aged for three years in bottle.

Hambledon’s founder, Ian Kellett, was keen to show what Meunier can do as a solo act in Hampshire’s chalky soils.

“This new cuvée was created from a premise of exploring the potential of Meunier when grown on quality, ancient chalk soils while giving the winemaking team a chance to experiment.

“The rosé stands alone from the rest of the range. Compared to a lighter apéritif style, that Hambledon’s existing range successfully covers, this wine is destined as an accompaniment to food,” Kellett said.

With a production run of just 3,000 bottles, the fizz will be distributed in the UK through Fields, Morris & Verdin.

Kellett acquired Hambledon Vineyard in 1999. In 2011 he hired Champagne specialist Hervé Jestin to be the estate’s director of winemaking.

With over 200 acres of vineyards, the latest addition to Hambledon will be a tasting room and visitor centre, due to open next spring.