Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling, Hampshire

Description

Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling is a Hampshire Sparkling wine produced from grapes grown in the Soth Downs. Raimes Classic Brut Cuvee was first released in 2017, it was their second cuvee released after the Raimes Sparkling Blanc de Noirs.

Raimes English Sparkling Wine is owned by the fifth generation of the Raimes family, Augusta and Robert. The family have been farmers in Hampshire for five generations with land on the historic Tichborne Estate where they grow wheat, barley and oilseed rape and also raise a herd of traditional pedigree Hereford cattle. Situated, as they are, on the chalky soils of the South Downs, I guess it was only a matter of time before they started growing grapes for sparkling wine production. Their first 10 acres of vineyards were planted in 2010 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – the holy trinity of sparkling wine production. As well as this Classic Brut, they also produce a Blanc de Noirs, a Blanc de Blancs, Rosé and Demi-Sec. Their wines are always produced as a vintage. 

The Raimes vineyard is located near the village of Tichborne, close to Alresford, in the South Downs. The chalky soils of the South Downs are essentially the same lump of chalk which runs from the soils of Champagne, under the channel, to the white cliffs of Dover, through Kent and Sussex and into Hampshire. The chalk lends a particular minerality that helps to achieve a delicate balance of ripeness, acidity and berry aroma. The vineyards are all located on south facing slopes. This aspect, combined with the soil, weather etc. (the “terroir”) produces wines with excellent minerality, balance, good acidity and complexity. It provides the perfect soil for vineyards for growing grapes for sparkling wines.

The grapes for the Raimes Blanc de Noirs English Sparkling  are harvested by hand into small crates and then make the short journey to Hattingley Winery at Lower Wield when they are vinified under the watchful eye of the talented wine-making team.

Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling 2019 is a classic Champenoise three way blend of 68% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier. The wine is fermented in the traditional method. A portion of the blend is barrel fermented. 34 months on lees, disgorged january 2023. “An outstanding year – 2019 is a vibrant and ripe vintage…”, Raimes.

Raimes Classic Brut is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.