Hattingley Valley Rose 2014

The Wine Front – Hattingley Valley are a premium sparkling wine producer from England, a country with a surprising history in the fizzy wine world. Indeed, some historians claim sparkling wine’s origins are from England. This wine comes from southern England vineyards. It’s a blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier with a portion that spends time in barrels to mature and lend complexity. This wine has some bite, in the best possible sense. Acidity is ultra perky, it’s all red apple and white strawberry in the palate with a toothsome chomp that sits amongst the vibrant fizz of the wine. Fragrance is on point; red berries, vanilla, smoke. The wine is powerful, racy and very refreshing. The finish is so good – like a sip of fresh grapefruit juice. Those who like labels would call it ‘an excellent aperitif style’. And it is.

Jancis Robinson – Rather delicate red fruit. Very crisp and zesty and super-tight. Finesse in texture and purity. Really fruity and long and zingy. I think this has more to give, given time.