Nyetimber Classic Cuvee

Region and Vineyards

Nyetimber’s vineyards are situated across the counties of West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent—regions recognized for their greensand and chalk soils, ideal for sparkling wine production. The maritime climate provides long, cool growing seasons, which are crucial for the development of natural acidity and nuanced aromatics in sparkling wine grapes.

Nyetimber was a pioneer in recognizing the potential of the English South Downs for quality sparkling wine, first planting in 1988. Today, the estate farms 11 vineyards, totaling over 300 hectares, and is committed to estate-only production—meaning all wines are crafted from their own meticulously managed vineyards. The influence of ancient seabed chalk, akin to the Champagne region, lends a distinctive mineral backbone to the wines. Combined with careful vineyard selection and clonal diversity, this terroir enables consistent production of high-quality fruit, even in England’s marginal climate.

Winemaking

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée is a traditional method sparkling wine made from the classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The blend typically reflects a significant proportion of Chardonnay to lend finesse, with Pinot Noir contributing structure and Pinot Meunier offering floral lift.

A hallmark of this multi-vintage cuvée is its inclusion of 20–40% reserve wines, which ensures stylistic continuity and adds depth and complexity. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine is aged on its lees for approximately 36 months, allowing for autolytic development. Post-disgorgement, the wine is given a dosage of around 9 g/L, aligning it in the Brut category and offering balance between freshness and richness.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with a fine and persistent bead.
• Aroma: Notes of baked apple, citrus blossom, and honeyed brioche are underscored by delicate almond and floral characters. Hints of vanilla and pastry crust emerge with aeration.
• Palate: The mousse is refined and creamy, carrying flavors of green orchard fruit, lemon curd, and fresh apricot. A mineral edge provides tension, while extended lees aging imparts depth and a savory, toasty finish.

Did you know?

Nyetimber was the first English producer to craft sparkling wine exclusively from Champagne varieties using the traditional method. Their 1992 vintage shocked critics when it triumphed in blind tastings against top Champagnes, signaling the arrival of English sparkling wine on the global stage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Smoked salmon blinis – The wine’s crisp acidity and creamy mousse cut through the richness of the salmon and crème fraîche.
• Roast chicken with lemon and thyme – Complements the citrus and toasty notes while enhancing the savory elements.
• Tempura vegetables – The wine’s bright acidity refreshes the palate between bites, matching the delicacy of the dish.
• Elderflower panna cotta – A charming dessert pairing that harmonizes with the floral tones and soft sweetness of the wine’s dosage.

History of Nyetimber

Nyetimber’s story began in 1988, when the Moss family took a bold step in planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier vines in West Sussex—a visionary move at a time when English sparkling wine was still a novelty. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to create wines that could rival the finest Champagnes.

The estate's true transformation came under the guidance of Éric Heerema, who acquired Nyetimber in 2006. A Dutch entrepreneur with a deep reverence for long-term craftsmanship, Heerema invested not only in vineyard expansion but also in a philosophy rooted in generational vision rather than vintage cycles. His commitment to estate-only production, where all wines are made exclusively from grapes grown on Nyetimber’s land, set a new benchmark for quality and authenticity in the UK.

Winemaking responsibilities were entrusted to Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix, a husband-and-wife team originally from Canada, who joined in 2007. Cherie Spriggs made history in 2018 when she was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge—an unprecedented recognition for an English winemaker.

Region and Vineyards

Nyetimber’s vineyards stretch across West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent, three of England’s most favorable regions for sparkling wine production. The sites benefit from a cool maritime climate that encourages long ripening seasons, preserving natural acidity and promoting slow flavor development.

The soils are a complex mix, but chalk and greensand dominate—providing excellent drainage and contributing to the minerality and tension found in the wines. The vineyard team works with multiple clones and rootstocks, carefully matched to soil type and microclimate, ensuring optimal fruit character and ripeness.

Today, Nyetimber manages 170 hectares divided across eight vineyard sites, each meticulously farmed and harvested by hand. The estate’s complete control over viticulture allows precise selection and blending, underpinning the house’s signature style.

Wine Range of Nyetimber

Nyetimber focuses exclusively on traditional method sparkling wines, producing a focused yet expressive range:

• Classic Cuvee NV – The house signature, a multi-vintage blend of the three Champagne grapes, showing freshness, autolytic depth, and consistency.
• Blanc de Blancs – 100% Chardonnay, from select parcels, aged extensively for elegance and minerality.
• Rosé – A delicate and floral expression with red berry charm, blending Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Tillington Single Vineyard – A limited-production, terroir-specific cuvée made only in exceptional vintages.
• Cuvée Chérie – A rare demi-sec, ideal for pairing with lightly spiced or sweet dishes, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay.
• Prestige cuvée 1086 – The estate’s flagship, produced only in the best years, combining power, length, and finesse for long aging.

Did you know?

Nyetimber was the first English wine estate to plant exclusively Champagne grape varieties and the first to produce traditional method sparkling wine solely from estate-grown fruit. It has been served by Queen Elizabeth II and is often credited with putting English sparkling wine on the global fine wine map.