Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard 2014

Region and Vineyards

The Tillington Single Vineyard comes from a single plot located in West Sussex, one of the most prized areas for English sparkling wine. The vineyard sits atop greensand soils over chalk subsoils, a geological composition similar to that of the best sites in Champagne. These well-drained soils and the site's favorable exposure allow for slow ripening and the development of intense aromatics and structure.

This bottling represents a parcellar selection, only made in vintages when the site produces exceptional fruit. The vineyard is part of Nyetimber's estate holdings—over 170 hectares across eight sites—ensuring total control over viticultural practices. Tillington is a true expression of site-specific terroir, offering a window into the precision and maturity that English sparkling wine can achieve.

Winemaking

Composed of 76% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay, the wine is vinified using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in bottle and 36 months of lees aging. The Pinot Noir contributes structure, red fruit richness, and vinous depth, while the Chardonnay adds brightness and tension.

The finished wine has an alcohol level of 12%, an acidity of 8 g/L, and a residual sugar content of 9.7 g/L, classifying it as Brut. These metrics strike a delicate balance between freshness, body, and complexity. This cuvée is built to evolve but offers immense pleasure already.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright straw yellow with delicate, persistent effervescence.
• Aroma: Complex bouquet with layers of white truffle, brioche, orchard fruits, and a hint of wild herbs. Subtle evolution adds dimension without masking the freshness.
• Palate: Silky and serene texture, with flavors of baked apple, lemon zest, toasted almond, and a subtle saline finish. The wine is structured, vinous, yet graceful, with an impressively long aromatic persistence.

Did you know?

The Tillington Single Vineyard is produced only in the best vintages, making it one of the most exclusive and terroir-driven wines in the Nyetimber range. Its 2014 edition showcases the potential of English Pinot Noir in sparkling expressions and was described by Jeremy Cukierman MW as “vinous, deep yet serene, with great gastronomic potential.”

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Pan-seared monkfish with beurre blanc and roasted leeks – Highlights the wine’s richness and creamy mousse.
• Lobster with saffron sauce – The structure and saline finish balance the sweetness of the crustacean and the spice of the sauce.
• Turbot with caper vinaigrette – The wine’s acidity and depth cut through the richness while enhancing the dish’s savory elements.

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.