Now this is interesting. It’s the first release of a new English sparkling wine, called Ambriel. It comes from a 9.5 hectare vineyard in West Sussex, planted as recently as 2008, so this is the first crop from those vines. Considering this, it’s fantastic. It’s a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir and 3% Pinot Meunier. The acidity of 10.7 g/litre is just spot on: the grapes were harvested in mid-October. Dosage is 7 g/litre and the wine was disgorged in May 2013.
I like the fact that this is a non-vintage cuvee, and I think it is something more UK vineyards should play with, keeping back reserve wines to blend with. This wine was from a single vintage, because it’s the first vintage, and it was aged on its lees for 24 months.
Ambriel Classic Cuveee NV English Sparkling Wine
Full yellow colour. Lovely fruity aromatics: citrus, ripe apple, subtle herbs. The palate is lively and fruity with lovely apple and pear notes, as well as a background subtle toastiness. Direct, pure and fruity, showing good concentration and high acidity. Lively and appley with some bite. A great debut. 90/100
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2 Comments on Ambriel Classic Cuvee, a new English sparkling wine
This sounds fab!
I couldn’t agree more. What a find Ambriel is!
Is there a better English sparkling wine than Ambriel? If there is, I haven’t tasted it yet.
I’m not a MW, but a pretty experienced drinker. I have tried Ambriel on friends and family and every person who has tasted it agrees that it is absolutely delicious. I bought 5 cases and they are disappearing fast!
Thank you for this review which is refreshingly balanced and sensible. I am a follwer and will be watching out for your other recommendations.