2001 Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs

Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, 2001 vintage.

This is an award winning English vintage from the prestigious Nyetimber estate in West Sussex. Their wines have received international acclaim, with their premium sparkling whites likened to those of Champagne. The 2001 Blanc de Blancs benefits from the fruit's growth in soil with a chalky, sandstone layer normally conducive of Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier varieties.

The Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay grapes are processed using traditional methods, pressed in the most delicate way possible and can be individualised by creative, expert wine-makers. After the second round of fermentation, the product remains intimate with the yeast lees for a sustained length of time . This occurs in the bottle and produces the sparkle to the wine; the remaining lees create the unique flavours of biscuit, honey and brioche associated with Champagne.

Nyetimber wines undergo a minimum three years of aging, after which this particular Blanc de Blancs was presented in its handsome green and gold bottle, its refined liquid a very light amber matching its honeyed essence, with refreshing hints of green.

This 2001 vintage has a fine bead with small persistent bubbles, yet it has a delicate mousse leaving a gentle fizz on the tongue. The nose of the wine further matches its golden theme with powerful flavours of lemon and baked apple, jasmine, butter and vanilla, along with hints of caramel and marzipan.

The Nyetimber 2001's palate is nonetheless, a clean and fresh apple entry quickly followed by classic Chardonnay characters of baked lemon and minerals. The long finish returns to a buttery, patisserie delight.

This is a brilliant aperitif wine, perhaps served before a meal of shellfish or even a cardamom-flavoured dessert. A beautiful sparkling wine to be experienced now or kept to mature.