This winter, we are delighted to collaborate with English Wine Producers, Nyetimber, to introduce a special promotion at Elite Hotels. This month, they’ve shared fascinating insights into the process of crafting their sparkling wine, especially within the unique challenges of the English climate.
Nyetimber is the pioneer of English Sparkling Wine. It was the first producer to exclusively grow the three celebrated grape varieties in England in 1988: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Nyetimber’s 11 vineyards, which span over 1,000 acres across the south of England, share similar characteristics with the best sparkling wine vineyards in the world. Their greensand and chalk soils are ideal for growing vines as they allow the rain to permeate, encouraging the roots to grow deep and strong. Greensand lends a generous, rounded fruit character to the sparkling wines, whilst Nyetimber’s beautiful limestone chalky soil is particularly well suited for producing grapes with refreshing acidity, resulting in wines with a pure, delicate floral note and elegant minerality.
However, vines need more than just good soil. The French word ‘terroir’ refers to the unique natural environment in which wine is produced, including the aspect of the land, a crop’s specific growth habitat and the weather conditions. Collectively, these contextual features are said to influence character. Nyetimber’s vineyards are blessed with an exceptional terroir, thanks to meticulous research into finding the right sites. The mild maritime climate in the south of England and wide gentle south-facing slopes, protected from harsh winds by undulating hills, combine to create the perfect environment for world-class sparkling wine, allowing for the best possible exposure to the English sunshine and ensuring the grapes achieve the optimum level of ripeness before harvest.
The English climate allows for the slow ripening of grapes, enabling Nyetimber to achieve the optimum levels of ripeness and acidity, as well as the complexity and finesse for which the exquisite wines are renowned. The growing season is longer than other sparkling wine regions across the world thanks to the maritime climate, which grants England relatively mild winters and cool summers. On the one hand, the longer growing season exposes vines to more weather, with spring frost being the most significant winemaking challenge in England. On the other hand, the grapes benefit from the additional time on the vine, developing the complex and delicate flavours that make Nyetimber unique. By using only estate-owned and grown fruit, Nyetimber can maintain complete control over quality.
Enjoy a ‘Nyetimber Nights’ stay before the end of March to receive a complimentary bottle of Nyetimber in your room on arrival. Nyetimber Nights | Elite Hotels Group