Hambledon’s new Première Cuvée Rosé
One of the leading English sparkling wine producers releases a zero dosage Pinot Meunier
This is interesting. 100% Pinot Meunier. No dosage. Totally unique.
Hambledon Vineyard Dosage Zéro Première Cuvée Rosé NV England
12% alcohol. This is a varietal Pinot Meunier, mainly from the 2015 vintage (plus some older barrel-aged wines), with zero dosage. A full pink/red colour, this has a powerful nose of red cherries, some rhubarb, and some sappy herby notes. The palate shows lovely herb-tinged, subtly leafy red cherry and strawberry fruit, with the acidity integrated perfectly. Despite the lack of dosage, this doesn’t seem at all acidic or bracing: the fruit carries the palate so well. Nice tartness on the finish, with a little tannic bite that makes it incredibly food friendly. A remarkable wine that defies easy categorization, and beautifully put together. 93/100
Availability: £69, from the shops at Hambledon and Berry Bros & Rudd. UK agent FMV)
