rating A

standout one of the earliest English sparkling wine producers

about located in East Sussex and founded in 1995, when the idea of sparkling English wine was a concept not a trend. The first vintage release was in 2000. Ridgeview is at the centre of the development of England’s wine tourism, with a new restaurant opened. The range of wines is very representative of the quality and style of English sparkling wine.

wines tasted

Bloomsbury ($50)

70% Chardonnay plus Pinot Noir and Meunier, with 18 months on the lees, for a light, easy, delicious style

Cavendish ($50)

Mostly sold in restaurants, a fruitier style, blend of all three Champagne grapes.

Fitzrovia ($55)

Rosé whose colour comes from red wine made from the earlier ripening Pinot Noir Précose strain, although the majority of the wine is Chardonnay. A fruity, creamy, but delicate style.

Blanc de Blancs 2016 ($100)

from a warm vintage, seen in the surprisingly ripe, fruity style although balanced by vibrant acidity. From the original 1995 plantings, there’s a lot going on, bright, round, and rich, with an integrated lees texture and a saline quality. Great now with definite potential for ageing over the next seven to ten years.

Blanc de Noirs 2015 ($80)

2015 saw a wet August but a sunny September. Smoky and rich, with red and dried fruits, liquorice, mushroom, smoke, and toast, and a long, fresh finish. I’m not always a Blanc de Noirs fan, but, perhaps because of England’s cooler climate, this is superb.

website https://www.ridgeview.co.uk/

email info@ridgeview.co.uk

phone 01444242040

address Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common, East Sussex