Nyetimber :: Wine Producers :: The Fine Wine Company, Buy Fine Wine online, Nationwide Delivery

Nyetimber

Nyetimber was established in 1986 in the heart of West Sussex, on what was regarded as a perfect site for sparkling wine. Originally, just over 14 hectares were planted with the traditional Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Ever increasing demand for Nyetimber’s sparkling wines meant that, in 2006, the estate had to plant a further 60 hectares of vines, followed by an additional 30 hectares in May 2007. The location of the vineyards, on the north side of the South Downs, means that they are well protected from coastal winds. The soils are a continuation of the limestone basin stretching from Champagne to the south of England, and ensure excellent drainage and low vigour. The gentle slopes are fully exposed to the sun, which helps in this marginal climate. A lot of time is spent in the vineyard, managing vigour to ensure good flavour concentration, and de-leafi ng the vine to maximise the exposure of the grapes to sunlight. The estate is now owned by Dutchman Eric Hereema who, with his winemaker Cherie Spriggs, has installed an impressive new cellar. All the grapes are from their own estate, so they can monitor quality closely, and are hand-picked. Their Magnum press is one of about 30 in the world and was imported from Epernay in Champagne. It presses the Nyetimber grapes parcel by parcel, automatically resetting the pressure according to the diff erent bunch densities. Nyetimber ages the wines on their fine lees for at least three years, as per the traditional method, and only makes a Vintage Brut style.