This week’s English Fizz Friday will feature a brand new wine to Corkage.
We’re very excited to welcome the Rathfinny Wine Estate, Classic Cuvée Brut 2017!
Enjoy it this weekend at Corkage as a perfect aperitif, pre dinner or other plans, or with some of our great small plates.
PS – we have oysters & crab booked to arrive Friday as special pairing recommendations!!
Rathfinny Estate
This family-owned estate was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, with the first vineyards being planted in April 2012. Rathfinny’s estate vineyard now extends to over 93 hectares in the South Downs, just three miles from the Channel. Lying on a south-facing slope, the site is predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier and benefits from a semi-continental maritime climate and free-draining chalk soils, providing the ideal conditions to ripen grapes for sparkling wine. Rathfinny uses only estate-grown fruit for their four traditional-method sparkling wines: Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Rosé.
The hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed grapes are vinified with as little intervention as possible and a low dosage to preserve the purest expression of place and vintage. This preservation of character starts in the vineyard, says Sarah Driver. “We aim to be a sustainable wine producer. As a result, we take the stewardship of our land seriously. All our buildings are constructed using locally-sourced materials, such as flint from the vineyards, and we have worked with Natural England and the South Downs National Park to implement a programme of improvements to enhance wildlife habitats and reclaim areas of natural chalk grassland, as well as creating wildlife corridors throughout the vineyard.”
This ‘re-wilding’ of what was previously an arable farm ensures greater biodiversity. This focus on the environment, and to sustainability and the soil, ensures good quality fruit. Mark Driver adds that “sustainability is multi-layered, it’s everything we touch. It’s not just about the use of carbon or energy or chemicals. It’s about how we treat our soils, our use of water and all the inputs we have in the winemaking process, the whole environment.” This attention to detail shines through in the wines, which are beautifully made, elegant and balanced.
The Classic Cuvée is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. It was fermented solely in stainless steel and, like all Rathfinny’s base wines, went through malolactic fermentation. It was aged on lees in bottle for 36 months prior to disgorgement. The black grape character gives it nice depth and ensures great balance and elegance with 5 g/l dosage.
This wines show why, in three short years, Rathfinny has come to be recognised as one of England’s best producers of sparkling wines.
Vineyards
The estate vineyard is protected from the worst of the prevailing south westerly winds by a natural ridge that runs along the southern edge of the Estate. Sustainability and stewardship of the land are at the heart of Rathfinny’s philosophy. The team have worked closely with Natural England and the South Downs National Park, to implement a programme which enhances local wildlife habitats and reclaims areas of natural chalk grassland. Rathfinny’s focus on the environment, and commitment to sustainability and soil health, ensure excellent quality fruit.
Vintage
2017 was an exceptional vintage, but not without its challenges. Fortunately, the south facing aspect and proximity to the coast, protected Rathfinny’s estate vineyards from the late spring frost. After an early budburst the grapes benefitted from a long ripening period and a phenomenal ‘Indian summer’, with unseasonably warm September weather producing ripe fruit, with concentrated flavours and balanced acidity and sugar levels.
Vinification
The grapes were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and vinified with as little intervention as possible, to preserve the purest expression of vintage and place. The base wine was fermented in stainless steel at 16°C, followed by malolactic fermentation. After bottling, the wine was aged 36 months on lees to develop autolytic complexity.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Rathfinny’s Classic Cuvée displays vivid aromas of grapefruit, red apple and brioche on the nose. The palate has real focus with zesty acidity tempered by the wine’s creamy texture and rich, biscuity notes, leading to a refreshing and moreish finish.
Grapes Varieties: Grape Varieties 65% Pinot Noir, 18% Chardonnay, 17% Pinot Meunier
ABV: 12%
