Highlights: Louis Pommery Brut NV England
Champagne Pommery made the news in 2014 when they decided to start an operation in Hampshire, England, in partnership with Hattingley Valley. They bought the 40 hectare Pinglestone Estate, with its chalk soils, and between 2017 and 2019 planted 30 hectares of vines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The first grapes have now been harvested but it will be a while before the first estate wine will be released (2023). In the meantime, grapes are being sourced from Hampshire, Sussex and Essex growers.
Louis Pommery Brut NV England
12% alcohol. This blend of 55% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir and 8% Pinot Meunier, has a dosage of 8 g/l. It is a really impressive youthful English sparkler with a healthy whack of dosage. It’s bright and lemony with fruit purity and keen acidity balanced by some pear and sweet apple richness, as well as a twist of cherry. There’s certainly some sweetness from the dosage which works perfectly to provide balance. Very pure and seductive, and such accomplished winemaking. 92/100 (£26.99 Majestic, mix 6 price)
