Description
This is one of the most important wines that we make at Hattingley, it is the most widely available and arguably one of the most loved. Whilst many people will assume that a ‘vintage’ wine is automatically better (often not the case!), this Non-vintage shows off the skill of Emma’s winemaking.
Being able to blend the wines from different grape varieties, different vineyards, barrels and tanks to try and maintain a consistent style is one of the toughest jobs that the winemaking team have to do. This is our all-rounder, our crowd pleaser and a wine that is very easy for all to love!
YEAR - Non-Vintage (based on 2015 harvest)
GRAPE - Chardonnay 53% Pinot Noir 31% Pinot Meunier 16%
ALCOHOL (ABV) - 12%
VEGETARIAN/VEGAN - Yes
STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS - Please keep in a cool, dark place if possible.
DRINKING WINDOW - Drinking very well now, will improve and mature over the next 3-4 years. June 2020.
Awards
![Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve NV UK English Quality Sparkling Wine Awards Gold]()
Harvest
The 2015 growing season was a test of good site selection and our vineyard team did a wonderful job in challenging conditions - the summer was cooler than the previous year, particularly in August which is the crucial month for veraison and the start of the ripening season. The pinots were super-ripe with wonderful flavours, good acidity levels and deep colour, and good vineyard sites produced some very fine Chardonnay as well.
‘Blending this wine was the Eureka moment – the whole team recognised the distinct Hattingley style immediately it came together in the glass.’
Emma Rice
Head Winemaker
Winemaking
The hand-harvested grapes were whole bunch pressed to extract top quality juice. 19% of the total blend was barrel fermented in old white Burgundy barrels and partial malolactic fermentation took place in order to soften the wine’s natural acidity. To ensure the consistency and continuity of our signature style, 23% of reserve wines (that had naturally softened and developed over time in oak barrels and stainless steel tanks) were added to the blend before secondary fermentation. After 3 years ageing on lees in a bottle to add roundness and character, the wine was disgorged with a light dosage of 7 g/L.
Tasting Notes
Our Classic Reserve is pale gold in colour with delicate and fine long-lasting bubbles. The beautifully complex bouquet combines aromas of green apples with creamy nougat, freshly baked brioche and delicate toasted notes from ageing in bottle. On the palate, the complexity continues with notes of soft lemon sherbet, biscuit and a subtle oak character. Refreshing and perfectly balanced, with a delightfully long finish.
