High Clandon, a boutique vineyard established 20 years ago on the chalky limestone of the Surrey Hills (which boast the same geological stratum as that of the Champagne region), produces elegant long-aged vintage sparkling wines.
The vineyard releases just one cuvée annually, created from the Champagne grapes of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay and bottle-aged for at least five years. The focus here is not volume but purely quality berries, and the viticultural interventions and fastidious hand-manipulating of the vines and grapes have helped earn High Clandon's wines a clutch of awards. Every vintage since inception has achieved major accolades and many
international golds.
I had the pleasure of meeting vineyard founders Sibylla and Bruce Tindale at the estate's wonderful ‘Art & Sculptures in the Vineyard’ event, which heralded the release of the Shakespearean Cuvée Prestige Vintage Brut 2019. Their passion, exuberance and dedication were evident and - as I discovered - imbued their latest offering.
The Shakespearean Cuvée’ 2019 Prestige Vintage Brut
The already medal-winning Shakespearean Cuvée was released on June, 30th 2024 and named to mark the 400th anniversary of the first printing of Shakespeare’s First Folio,
A blend of Chardonnay (50%), Pinot Noir (30%) and Pinot Meunier 20%, the Shakespearean Cuvée has four years of lees ageing with six months post-disgorgement ageing. On pouring, you're greeted with a vibrant mousse. Hints of fresh apple and peach combined with a richer tarte tatin are on the nose. There's a fresh, crispness on the palate but the ripe, flavourful fruit yielded from the warm summer months of 2019 give a roundness and depth, which is accompanied by a brioche butteriness and a delicate nuttiness and merest hint of spice on the long and pleasing finish. Delightful!
For me, it has earned its appellation of the quintessence of English quality sparkling wine.
The Shakespearean Cuvée 2019 Prestige Vintage Brut 75cl is priced at £43.00 Order online: https://www.highclandon.co.uk/wine-shop/
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