Today, we celebrate the release of our long-awaited addition to our Première Range- our Première Cuvée Rosé. It is true that sparkling Rosé is often overlooked as ‘style over substance’, however our winemakers have set out to produce something that is anything but. A style evolved over years of ageing sur latte, this bottle offers a highly complex, Pinot Meunier-Led addition to our award-winning range.
Speaking about the Cuvée, our owners, Ian & Anna, were nothing but enthusiastic about the release- a standout wine, seven years in the making:
"We are very proud of this new wine, crafted in the continuity of the excellence that we put in every wine we create. This is a major step for us as we keep building the most iconic collection of world-class English Sparkling Wines."
A landmark cuvee, the wine truly reflects the excellence of our team. From the expertise of our Chef du Cave, Hervé Jestin and winemakers, Felix Gabillet and Tobias Tullberg (this was the first tank of Hambledon Vineyard wine that he was in charge of), comes a vinous, complex and gastronomic wine, highlighting our terroir at its full potential.
Felix reflected on the unique process that goes into the creation of this wine:
"There is always a singular moment in the winery in which we choose to make Première Cuvée Rosé. Compared to other cuvées, there is a different technique for the conversion of the wine- it is precise- you have to wait for the colour to be perfect, which is a time-sensitive decision that we have to make as a collective. This means that harvest is the decisive moment, if we don't agree to create the cuvée then, it means it can't be done. Precision is key; in the aromas, in the colours. It's a decision process that brings the team together."
Tasting Notes
Made with a precise blend of Saignée Pinot Meunier (87.5%), Red Pinot Noir (5.2%) and Chardonnay (7.3%), the wine displays a stunning strawberry pink hue, with a suggestion of bronze. On the rim of the glass. The bouquet is open and striking, with rich, assertive sweet summer raspberry and subtle autumnal blackberry.
The blend’s high proportion of Pinot Meunier lends a heady note and flavour, slightly savoury and suggestive of miso- it is this unique character that drives the wine in its vinous direction. As suitable for the table as it is for apéritif, this is a truly versatile cuvée- we think, to be reserved only for the best company. The palate is finely knit and multi-layered after its extended ageing in bottle, and remains vivacious and intense and seductive, yet with a beguiling marine undertone.
A non-vintage cuvee, based on wine from the 2016 harvest, blended with some reserve wines from our solera tanks and barrels, the Première Cuvée Rosé offers a distinctive depth and finesse.
Food Pairings
Due to the complexity of the cuvée, this wine is the perfect friend to food. Our Head Chef, Nick Edgar, suggests two perfect pairings- ideal for a dinner celebrating the Finest English Fizz. The vinous depth of the cuvée would be a fine friend to an indulgent dish, comprised of miso glazed duck breast, poached blackberries, beurre noisette celeriac purée roasted salsify- the umami character, countered with tart fruit aims for a perfectly balanced palate. For the sweet tooth, Nick recommends a rich 55% dark chocolate tart, accompanied by raspberry mousse, chocolate crumble and English raspberry sorbet. The food pairings truly reflect the cuvée itself- complex, balanced and precise.
Visit our shop to purchase your bottle of Première Cuvée Rosé today.
