Nyetimber Cuvée Chérie Demi-Sec

Nyetimber Cuvée Chérie Demi-Sec

 

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Nyetimber
Cuvée Chérie Demi-Sec
  • Vintage : 0
  • Country : United Kingdom
  • Region : Sussex
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Sparkling
  • Style :
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 12°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

Cuvée Chérie is a refined expression of elegance and aromatic purity, designed to pair with delicate dishes or shine on its own as an apéritif.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 90 NV
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Nyetimber Cuvée Chérie originates from the estate’s vineyards in West Sussex and Hampshire, regions distinguished by their sandy soils and cool maritime climate. These well-drained sites allow for optimal Chardonnay expression, with long ripening periods that enhance aromatic definition and maintain bright acidity.

The grapes come exclusively from Nyetimber's own holdings, which encompass 170 hectares across eight vineyard sites. This “estate-only” philosophy ensures consistent fruit quality and a true reflection of terroir. The combination of sandy topsoils and careful clonal selection results in a Chardonnay of exceptional purity, ideal for a demi-sec style.

Winemaking

This cuvée is composed of 100% Chardonnay and is vinified using the traditional method, with a second fermentation in bottle. It is aged for 36 months on lees, allowing autolytic development to soften the texture and enrich the palate.

Classified as a demi-sec, it contains 38 g/L of residual sugar, perfectly integrated thanks to the wine’s natural acidity and minerality. The alcohol level is 12%, creating a rounded yet vibrant style that is approachable, elegant, and structured.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Pale gold with silvery glints and fine, steady bubbles.
  • Aroma: Delicate and expressive, with notes of pure lemon zest, mandarin peel, honeycomb, and subtle mineral undertones.
  • Palate: A vibrant entry with bright citrus and light sweetness, balanced by crisp acidity and a clean, focused structure. The mousse is gentle, lending a creamy yet refreshing texture to the wine’s sweet-fruited core.

Did you know?

Cuvée Chérie is one of the few demi-sec sparkling wines produced in England, crafted with precision for gastronomic versatility. Originally released under the name "Demi-Sec," it was rebranded as Cuvée Chérie to highlight its charm and stylistic distinction. It is a favorite pairing for light desserts, seafood, or spiced dishes, and also makes an elegant apéritif.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Scallops with citrus glaze – The wine’s sweetness and acidity echo the glaze and complement the delicate texture of the scallops.
  • Prawn ceviche with mango – The tropical brightness of the dish mirrors the wine’s citrusy fruit and balances its demi-sec richness.
  • Sushi with yuzu kosho – The zesty sharpness enhances the wine’s lemony freshness, while the sugar softens spice and umami notes.
  • Fruit tarts or macarons – An elegant match for the wine’s sweetness and fine mousse.

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 90 Points (NV)
The NV Demi-Sec from Nyetimber contains 44 grams per liter of residual sugar and comes mainly from the 2013 vintage. It has a light and rather austere bouquet with hints of dried honey, walnut and blackcurrant leaf. The palate is rounded on the entry and manages to neatly balance the sweetness of a demi-sec with the acidity. Pralines and almond define the harmonious finish with hints of apricot. It is always difficult to think of occasions where I crave a sweet sparkling wine, but I cannot deny that this is delicious and well-crafted.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 0
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 0
Nyetimber
Classic Cuvee
WE
93
RP
90
An emblem of English finesse, this multi-vintage sparkling wine marries elegance with complexity, showcasing Nyetimber’s dedication to traditional method winemaking.
56,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2015
Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2015
Nyetimber
Blanc de Blancs 2015
RP
89
With 8 years on lees, this 2015 cuvée reveals a complex and autolytic profile that rivals top-tier Champagnes, while maintaining its own distinct saline English identity.
89,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Nyetimber Rosé 0
Nyetimber Rosé 0
Nyetimber
Rosé
RP
92
A graceful English sparkling rosé, expressing the subtle charm of red fruits and florals with creamy finesse and precision bubbles.
67,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard 2013
Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard 2013
Nyetimber
Tillington Single Vineyard 2013
160,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard 2014
Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard 2014
Nyetimber
Tillington Single Vineyard 2014
RP
92
A rare English sparkling wine that captures the essence of a single site, combining power, poise, and remarkable depth in a limited-release vintage.
165,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
56,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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