I was excited to try this new 2013 Blanc de Blancs from leading English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber, because it is the first vintage to feature wine from their Hampshire vineyards (30%), which have chalk soils (in addition to the Sussex greensand vineyards they began with, which make up 70% of the blend).

The Chardonnay grapes were pressed and settled, and then 97% was fermented in stainless steel, and 3% in new French oak. Full malolactic fermentation. Five years on lees, and then has 9.5 g/l dosage.

Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2013 England
This wine has generosity and precision at the same time, with keen but well integrated acidity underpinning the ripe citrus, pear and apple fruit. There’s some bready, toasty richness, but it doesn’t obscure the fine, well structured fruit. There’s a very slight buttery, creamy richness, presumably from the malolactic fermentation, and then a long, tapering finish with lovely lemony fruit, and table grape and nectarine richness. Drinking beautifully now, this wine is really harmonious and nicely poised. 93/100