2018 RATHFINNY BLANC DE BLANCS. Sussex

The vineyards lie in the chalky south downs of Sussex close to the English Channel. The attention to detail is second to none with total commitment to local people and the local environment.

It is becoming very apparent that Chardonnay performs particularly well on the South Downs chalk beds (which mirror Champagne wine region soils very closely) and this is simply one of the UK finest Blanc de Blancs. 2018 was an outstanding year and harvest to boot – which Rathfinny believe could be their best yet.

100% Chardonnay (hence “Blanc de Blancs”) from estate grown fruit – hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel, before full malolactic, and aging on lees for 48 months (disgorged November 2022) and bottled with just 4g/lt dosage.

It’s hard to think of any other English Sparkling winery which has made such an impact in such a small space of time. Founded in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver the estate now extends to 93has.

2018 was an outstanding year and harvest to boot – which Rathfinny believe could be their best yet.