Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs

Rathfinny’s signature cuvée has a delicate, rose gold hue and an expressive nose with lifted aromas of morello cherry, toasted hazelnut and baked apple. The palate expertly combines delicacy and weight, with rich texture and autolytic complexity complemented by a fine vein of acidity which lifts the finish.

This family-owned estate was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, with the first vineyards being planted in April 2012. Rathfinny’s estate vineyard now extends to over 93 hectares in the South Downs, just three miles from the Channel. Lying on a south facing slope, their estate vineyard is predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier as well as small plantings of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. The site benefits from a semi continental maritime climate and free-draining chalk soils, providing the ideal conditions to ripen grapes. Rathfinny uses only estate-grown fruit for their four traditional-method sparkling wines: Classic Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Rosé, as well as their still white wine. Each of their wines is produced and labelled as a vintage wine.

The grapes were hand harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 16°C, followed by malolactic fermentation for creamier mouthfeel. After bottling, the wine was aged for 30 months on lees to develop rich autolytic complexity. Following disgorgement, the wine received a low dosage of 3.5g/l to preserve the purest expression of vintage and place.