This is one of the standout English sparkling rosés, produced in Hampshire by Hattingley Valley, a winery that has quickly built a reputation for precision, consistency, and award-winning quality. The wine is made using the traditional method, the same process as Champagne, which gives it structure and finesse rather than just freshness. The blend is typically based on Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, sometimes with a small proportion of Pinot Précoce, bringing both fruit and structure. A portion of the wine is often fermented in older oak, which adds a subtle creaminess and depth without dominating the style.
What defines it is the balance between bright fruit and underlying structure. It opens with a lively, fruit-driven character, but there's more going on beneath that - fine bubbles, a gentle creaminess from lees ageing, and a crisp line of acidity that keeps everything tight and focused. It doesn't feel heavy or overly rich. Instead, it carries a clean, elegant profile, where the fruit and freshness stay aligned, giving a composed and refined impression rather than something overly expressive. The texture is a key part of the style - fine mousse, lightly creamy, but still driven by freshness. That combination is very typical of high-quality English sparkling wine, where cooler climates preserve acidity and tension. Overall, this is a polished and modern English rosé, showing both vibrancy and structure, with a style that sits comfortably alongside Champagne while still keeping its own identity.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Fresh and expressive, with strawberry, raspberry, and hints of pomegranate and citrus.
Palate:
Balanced and refined, with red berry fruit, subtle creaminess, and a crisp, structured core.
Finish:
Clean and persistent, with bright acidity and a lightly creamy, elegant close.
