Winemaker Notes
Gusbourne's Chief Winemaker, Charlie Holland, believes 2014 was a watershed moment. "2014 convinced me that our wonderfully unique blend of soils and climates could consistently create outstanding ripeness. The fruit was perfectly ripe and we found more pronounced stone and orchard fruit flavors alongside the typical English citrus fruit. A harmonious blend of perfect natural acidity and sugars was achieved effortlessly. No fining or intervention was required. We simply focused on producing the best quality possible and let the fruit express itself."
Blend: 64% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir
A term typically reserved for Champagne and Sparkling Wines, non-vintage or simply “NV” on a label indicates a blend of finished wines from different vintages (years of harvest). To make non-vintage Champagne, typically the current year’s harvest (in other words, the current vintage) forms the base of the blend. Finished wines from previous years, called “vins de reserve” are blended in at approximately 10-50% of the total volume in order to achieve the flavor, complexity, body and acidity for the desired house style. A tiny proportion of Champagnes are made from a single vintage.
There are also some very large production still wines that may not claim one particular vintage. This would be at the discretion of the winemaker’s goals for character of the final wine.
The limestone soils of England’s southern end have proven ideal for the production of British sparkling wine. While it might seem too damp and cold for grape growing in England, recent warm summers and the onset of global warming signify great future growth for the British wine industry.