Given the prevalence of Pinot Noir in the UK, there will likely be several Blanc de Noirs releases in coming years. This style benefits from extended time ageing in bottle, with Pinot's acidity and red fruit flavour mellowing into something quite nutty and earthy.
Simpsons Wine Estate is situated in the Elham Valley; an unspoilt seam in the North Downs of Kent where the contours of the land, the climate and the soil are excellent for viticulture. The intensely lime-rich chalk soil forms part of the same chalk ridge that stretches from southern England through Champagne to Burgundy. The Guyot pruned vines are trained on vertical foliage wires to help with canopy management.
Showcasing finesse and balance, with a burnished gold colour and a delicate mousse, this sparkling wine has a luxurious, vanilla cream and fine pastry nose, with flavours of fresh wild strawberry, toasted brioche and a smooth elegant finish.
Charles and Ruth Simpson have been making award-winning wines in the South of France since 2002. In 2012, attracted by the quality of the terroir and the opportunity to become part of one of the most dynamic wine producing regions in the world, they brought their expertise back to the UK, establishing Simpsons Wine Estate.
Planting 30 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir on the iconic chalky soils of the North Downs, they occupy prime positions on sunny, sheltered slopes that are so highly revered in the world of both still and sparkling wine.
