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Wiston Blanc de Blancs

Wiston Estate Blanc de Blancs

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • The estate’s vines thrive in carefully chosen sites with optimal soils, microclimate, and aspect. The first vineyard, planted in 2006, is on flint-strewn soils over a chalk base.
  • Similar to the Côtes des Blancs region in Champagne, the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier vines thrive in the harsh soil, which prompts them to express the unique characteristics of both the land and the grape variety.
  • Wiston uses sustainable farming practices.

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay

Elaboration: Chardonnay grapes are hand harvested in late autumn and pressed as whole bunches. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks and rests on its yeast lees for eight months before bottling in summer. A portion of reserve wines from 2008 makes up 20-30% of the final blend. The wine undergoes slow secondary fermentation in the bottle at 9-11°C for three to four years, developing flavors through autolysis. The bottles are riddled and disgorged, with a dosage of 8g/l.

Tasting Notes: Delightfully fresh with vibrant acidity and impeccable balance. Crisp green apple notes alongside white blossom, grapefruit and lemon zest. Delicate notes of kumquat are leading the way with flinty minerality with a hint of patisserie softness. The wine finishes crisp, clean and refreshing.

PRESS

NV – 96 Wine Enthusiast | 92 Wine Advocate | 92 Decanter | 91 Vinous

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

Wiston Estate has remained in the Goring family since 1743. It is now owned by Pip and Harry Goring and managed by son Richard and his wife Kirsty. The family produces sparkling wines in West Sussex, England, less than six miles from the English Channel and about a two-hour drive south of London. The winery is situated among the rolling hills, valleys, and steep escarpments of the South Downs, where two thousand years ago Romans first grew grapes on the soft, chalky slopes.

It was Pip’s dream to establish the winery, evoking memories of her South African childhood. Besides producing their award-winning wines, they contract their renowned winemaking skills to other grape growers. They have gained a “royal’ reputation – Wiston Estate Brut NV was used by Her Majesty Elizabeth II to christen the yacht Britannia.

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Print Review Shelf Talker (NV – 92 Wine Advocate)