£30.60 per bottle
Mix any 6 - 10% off
In 2011, Jan and Anthea Mirkowski recognised that the foothills of the Chilterns on the outskirts of Henley would provide the ideal terrain and microclimate for viticulture. Henley-on-Thames even has a similar climate to Northern France, whose capital of the Champagne Region, Epernay, lies just 150miles south in latitude. The relatively cool nights enable grapes to retain the acidity essential for sparkling wines. In 2013, they planted the same three grape varieties which traditionally go into the world’s greatest fizz – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Fairmile Vineyard uses the traditional method (the same moethod as used in Champagne) of secondary fermentation in-bottle where it takes at least three years for added yeast and sugar to generate millions of bubbles and an added layer of flavour from the lees.
The Classic Cuvee Pale lemon-yellow hue, tight bubbles; red and yellow fruits, buttered croissant overlay; on the palate very dry, green apple dominant, lively acidity, creamy mousse texture, medium body, good persistence and quite long.
You need great grapes to make great wine, and the record number of hot summers in recent years has helped English and Welsh vineyards to win many prestigious awards in international blind-tasting competitions – especially in the sparkling wine categories.
Although evidence is scant, it is sometimes said that the Romans......
