Wiston Estate Brut
WHY WE LOVE IT
Varietal Composition: 35% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier
Elaboration: Grapes are hand harvested in late autumn, and the different varieties are pressed separately as whole bunches. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks before being allowed to rest on its yeast lees for eight months, before being bottled the summer following harvest. At bottling, a portion of our reserve wines (which date back to 2008) is added to make up 20-30% of the final blend. The wine then undergoes slow secondary fermentation in bottle, and is kept on its lees, at cool 9-11°C in our sheds for three to five years, allowing it to mature and take on flavors and structure through the process of autolysis. After several years of ageing the bottles are riddled and disgorged, with a dosage of 8g/l. (Disgorgement Date is on back label).
Tasting Notes: The Brut NV opens with aromas of green apples, freshly cut lemons and sourdough, alongside a hint of grilled walnuts and apricots. On the palate the mousse is fine and textured with complex notes of apple compote, cold butter, candied citrus peel and toasty notes. The finish is refreshing, long and mineral.
PRESS
NV – 95 Wine Enthusiast | 93 Decanter | 92 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.