Ridgeview Releases Blanc de Blancs 2016

Ridgeview Chardonnay Grapes at Ridgeview Wine Estate Sussex England

Pure passion and distinction in a glass

Our limited release Blancs de Blanc 2016 is a fresh and exciting expression of our most distinguished, single estate sparkling wine; one that truly unites Ridgeview’s distinctive quality and style with its unique vintage character.

Made exclusively from the finest Chardonnay grapes, grown here in our home vineyard in 2016, it is the perfect embodiment of our viticulture and world-leading winemaking.

Only ever made in exceptional years, this latest release of our flagship sparkling wine beautifully captures both the unique story of this year in our vineyard and a wealth of dedicated craftsmanship since.

With a limited number of bottles now available, each with at least four years on lees to bring the full depth of complexity, it truly is an exquisite sparkling wine worthy of the greatest of celebrations.

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Simon Roberts Director of Winemaking at Ridgeview Wine Estate Sussex England

Ridgeview Wine Estate English sparkling wine Sussex England

Tasting Notes

‘Purity, elegance and complexity…that’s the beating heart of our Blanc de Blancs.’
– Simon Roberts, Director of Winemaking

Full and ripe with citrus notes and tropical tones of lychee and pineapple.
Offering complexity and a balanced palate backed by hazelnut, toasted brioche, honey and a gentle hint of spice.
A rich gold colour with fine persistent bubbles and an elegant mousse.

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Bottle of Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs 2020

Vineyard

A year of two halves that uniquely harmonised to create an exceptional vintage and an excellent Blanc de Blancs.

A cold start to the season was followed by extreme Spring frost with snow on the ground and temperatures struggling to reach above freezing point. This was then met with a wet and cold flowering season.

Our vineyard team lit the Ridgeview bougies (vineyard candles to warm the vines) on six bitter, early mornings and throughout the night.

This vital protection of the vulnerable budburst was pivotal in nurturing the unique cool climate qualities of the 2021 vintage.

A glorious spell of warm, dry and sunny weather in September gifted superior ripening conditions.

After meticulous grape-analysis and intensive collaboration between our Vineyard Manager and Director of Winemaking, it was clear that Ridgeview’s 2016 Chardonnay grapes would be earmarked for a Blanc de Blancs of significant note.

Backed by blue skies and dry weather, grapes with sugar and acidity levels that wineries dream of were hand-picked in a glorious Indian Summer.

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‘These cool climate conditions coupled with the long growing season, brings a rich complexity to our Blanc de Blancs 2016 and enabled a gentle hint of spice to flourish. With over four years on lees, the depth of these qualities has continued to build.’

Simon Roberts, Director of Winemaking on Blanc de Blancs 2016

Serving Suggestion

Delicious as an aperitif, it is also a great match for seafood, shellfish and perfect with oysters.

For an interesting twist, try Director of Winemaking, Simon Robert’s suggestion of Thai food and Asian flavours. The hint of spice, salinity and umami notes make for an an exciting pairing.

Ridgeview Wine Estate English sparkling wine

Discover More

First made in 2000, Ridgeview’s Blanc de Blancs made history when it was awarded Decanter’s World’s Best Sparkling Wine in 2010, up against the world’s finest Champagne houses. A momentous occasion putting English winemaking firmly on the map, as a force to be reckoned with on an international scale. It set an unrivalled benchmark for excellence in sparkling wine, not just in England but all around the globe.

Each new release of our Blanc de Blancs continues to garner exceptional critical acclaim and has proved itself as a sparkling wine that truly is, in a class of its own.

LOOKING AHEAD

Since the 2016 vintage there has been a wealth of innovation and growth at Ridgeview. And yet, our winemaking, viticulture and values remain largely unchanged. Whilst we are always looking forward our foundations are strong. We are proud to have paved the way for English vineyards and continue to guide, nurture and inspire our nation’s winemakers to be the very best in the world.

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