Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018

Category:
 
Sparkling Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Sparkling White
Producer:
 
Gusbourne
Label Name:
 
Blanc de Blancs
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
England, United Kingdom
Region:
 
Kent (Appledore)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
12%
Grape(s):
 
100% Chardonnay
Acidity:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
2
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
8-10°C

Awards/Ratings
Falstaff 94 pts (tasting 2023); Falstaff 93 pts (tasting 2024); Decanter (Sylvia Wu) 92/100; BBR lists 92/100. Producer accolades: multiple IWSC/Decanter awards and Gusbourne named IWC English Wine Producer of the Year (multiple times)

Tasting Note
Bright citrus and green apple with white flowers, brioche and toasted hazelnut. Fine, creamy mousse, saline minerality, ginger/cardamom spice and honeyed lemon curd; vibrant acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairing
Western: oysters, scallops, langoustine, lobster, roast chicken, lemon-roasted cauliflower, creamy cheeses. Asian: sushi/sashimi, tempura prawns, Thai green papaya salad, steamed fish with ginger and scallions, Chinese dim sum.

Production Method
Méthode traditionnelle: whole-bunch pressed, naturally settled 12–24h; primary fermentation in stainless steel (small % in old oak); secondary bottle fermentation and minimum ~33 months lees ageing before disgorgement.

Vineyard Info
Gusbourne Estate (planted from 2004) farms vineyards in Appledore, Kent and West Sussex (Burgundian Chardonnay clones). Known for low-intervention, sustainable viticulture and focus on estate-grown vintage sparkling wines.