2014 Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs

100% Chardonnay. This Hattingley Valley Blanc De Blancs is from 2014 was grown on chalk vineyards in Sussex and Hampshire. 2014 was a great year with almost perfect growing conditions. A mild spring for budburst, ideal conditions at flowering with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout June and July leading to good yields and excellent quality.

The Chardonnay grapes for 2014 Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs were handpicked and gently whole-bunch pressed. Approximately 13% of the total blend was fermented in old oak barrels and partial malolactic fermentation took place to provide a round and creamy texture. After five years ageing on lees in bottle to add complexity and depth, the wine was disgorged in March 2020 at 6g/L residual sugar. Pale golden colour with gentle green hues and delicate bubbles, this Blanc de Blancs displays beautifully the pure linear character of the Chardonnay – white stone fruit, citrus fruit and a delicious honeyed character on the nose; clean and mineral flavours with pastry and brioche notes on the palate. It has a well-balanced and refreshing acidity that gives way to a creamy mouthfeel and long, complex finish.

2014 was a fantastic year for our vines. The Wines from 2014 practically made themselves and this Blanc de Blanc is no exception. – Emma Rice, Hattingley Valley

• IWC Gold Medal & English Sparkling Trophy Winner 2013
• IWSC Silver Medal Winner 2023
• Decanter Silver Medal Winner 2023
• Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs: 26 awards, 1 trophy

With 13% old oak and a perfect balance of age and oak, coupled with sensational use of Chardonnay, this is an effortlessly classy wine and one of the most engaging in our land.  All too often English BdB lacks aroma, mid-palate grandeur and mystery, but this is a brilliantly balanced wine, at the top of its game and it is incredibly perfumed, stunningly restrained and ever so exciting. Matthew Jukes