If there was a sparkling wine that showcases the quality of English wine it has got to be the Louis Pommery England Brut sparkling. Peter Morrell reviews and reports
36 hectares of Louis Pommery England vines were planted between 2017 and 2022 with the renowned grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris on the rolling Hampshire Hills at Pinglestone Estate.
The Louis Pommery England team has worked hard to maintain and improve soil health and biodiversity richness at Pinglestone vineyard. Since the creation of the estate, no herbicides have been used to protect the water resource. The team conserve the vineyard (and surrounding) environment and promote biodiversity (Pheasant’s eye protection program, badgers protection area, eco-grazing, green manure, edges planting). In 2021, bee hives were introduced to the vineyard by a local beekeeper. Sustainable honey from Pinglestone Estate’s miscellaneous flowers is now produced. As a result, Pinglestone Estate was awarded with the ‘WineGB Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Trademark’ in 2021.
I recently tasted the Louis Pommery England Brut and was highly impressed with the quality of the wine, and the fact that it has been produced in England.
The wine pours a light straw colour and lively, fast moving, small bubbles create a fine mousse on the surface. There are strong aromas of apple, citrus, with brioche tones in the bouquet. In the mouth, it has a good buttery body, and the palate exhibits a range of flavours. The citrus and apples remain and are joined by peaches, and pears, with stronger toasty/biscuit notes. It has good minerality, and the acidity is well balanced, making the wine very fresh. The finish is lively, with persistent fruit flavours.
This combination of the the Hampshire ‘Terroir’ and French expertise has produced a superb sparkling wine which is quintessentially English.
You can drink Louis Pommery England Brut on its own, or pair with seafood and light salads.
Louis Pommery England Brut sparkling is available from OCADO, MAJESTIC & SAINSBURY’S with an RRP of £29.99
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