Description
OVERVIEW
The Rathfinney Estate is situated on the South Downs in Sussex. The region is ideally suited for grape growing as it sits on the same type of chalk as the Paris Basin. The basin is an ancient seabed that runs from Northern France (think Champagne region) to the South of England. The combination of cool climate, chalky soils, and south facing vineyards all combine to produce world class sparkling wine.
CRITIC REVIEWS
Full bottle 1,646 g. Sussex. 100% estate-grown grapes, hand-picked. Predominantly Pinot Noir with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. 30 months sur lattes in the bottle. Disgorged 20 August 2021.
A cloud of lemon blossom on the nose, settling on lemon-scented chalk-dusted apple and green-pear fruit on the palate. Cobnuts and green hazelnut. A touch of raspberry leaf and sorrel. Ruler-straight acidity – this is a wine with unbending laser focus. Although on the very edges of the palate there is a very pretty, floral, lacy haze, softening the overall impact. Appetising and racy. 16.5/20 Points. Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com (February 2022)
FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION
We recommend crab linguine, prosciutto or traditional ham hock terrine to pair with the Rathfinney Classic Cuvee.
VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING
Rathfinny describe 2018 as "one of the warmest summers on record. A mini-heatwave developed from April onwards, bringing on early flowering and the dry weather promoted good fruit set. New temperature records were set in July and August and despite heavy rain in early September, the weather during harvest in October was very favourable and we picked very clean fruit.
PRODUCER NOTES
All of Rathfinney's grapes come from a single site vineyard. It comprises 93 hectares stretched out across the South Downs. The Romans though that the best vineyards were with 3 miles of the sea and Rathfinney's estate are roughly 3 miles from the English Channel. The chalky soils are free draining which helps with the often wet conditions of the region. They grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
The wine is made in the traditional method and is composed of primarily Pinot Noir with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier added into the blend. The wine spends 30 months in bottle.
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SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS
We recommend this wine be stored and served between 8-10C. It does not require decanting.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
Delivery is free when you spend over £150. For orders under this amount then a £9.99 delivery charge will be applied.
We use a tracked UPS delivery service who provide text and email tracking updates.
Every bottle sold by CoolerSomm is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine is corked or faulty, we will replace it.
2018 Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut, England
| Wine Card | |
| Wine Producer | Rathfinny |
| Wine Region | Sussex |
| Wine Classification | English Sparkling Wine |
| Wine Type | Sparkling |
| Grape Variety | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Vintage Quality | N/A |
| Maturity | Ready to drink |
| Body | Mid Bodied |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 12% |
| Bottle Type | Champagne 75cl |
| Serving Temperature | 8-10°C |
| Food Pairing | Fish and Chips, Clam Linguine |
| Awards | 16.5 Points - Jancis Robinson |
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