Wiston Estate Brut NV
The Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes for the Wiston Brut Non-Vintage come from the estate’s own vineyards and a selection of long-term partner growers. The estate soils are chalk based and therefore better for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while Pinot Meunier prefers a clay soil, so some of this is sourced from clay soils in Kent. Grapes are hand harvested in late autumn and the different varieties are pressed separately as whole bunches. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks before being allowed to rest on its lees for eight months, before being bottled the summer following harvest. At bottling, a portion of reserve wines (which date back to 2009) is added to make up 20-30% of the final blend. The wine then undergoes slow secondary fermentation in bottle, and is kept on its lees for three to five years, allowing it to mature and take on flavours and structure through the process of autolysis. After 3 – 5 years ageing on lees the bottles are riddled and disgorged, with a dosage of 8g/l. The Wiston Estate Brut NV opens with aromas of green apples, freshly cut lemons and sourdough, alongside a hint of grilled walnuts and apricots. On the palate the mousse is fine and textured with complex notes of apple compote, cold butter, candied citrus peel and toasty notes. The finish is refreshing, long and mineral.
