Hambledon Vineyard Sparkling Wine

We currently have three main vineyards covering 20 hectares on the slopes of Windmill Down (named after an ancient windmill) around the house. Each vineyard is planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – the three grape varieties most commonly used in the production of Champagne.

Our grapes are harvested and loaded into the press by hand to minimise loading damage.

In 2011 our on-site winery also opened its doors for the first time. This state-of-the-art facility is the only fully gravity fed winery in the UK, allowing us to make wines with the minimal possible intervention.

Our Mill Down 2010 sparkling wine is produced exclusively from the ‘home’ vineyards of our own estate, from the 2010 vendange, grown on the South East facing chalk slopes of Windmill Down, in the historic village of Hambledon.

The blend of Chardonnay (66%), Pinot Meunier (20%) & Pinot Noir (14%) was carefully developed under the guidance of our leading Champenois chef de caves, Hervé Jestin. Mill Down 2010 expresses the lean minerality of our Upper Cretaceous chalk terroir.

Elegant pale straw patina with pale green hues. Focused aromas of oyster shell, musk, orange-rind & coxes apples.

Ready to drink now though further ageing (12-18 months) will soften the minerality.

Shared by Georgina Goodhind