INSIDE NYETIMBER: A DAY AT ENGLAND’S PREMIER SPARKLING WINE ESTATE

Tucked away in the rolling hills of West Sussex, Nyetimber stands as one of England’s premier sparkling wine producers. With a history dating back to the Tudor period, the estate has seen its fair share of notable owners, from Thomas Cromwell to Anne of Cleves. Today, Nyetimber is celebrated for its world-class sparkling wines, which have helped elevate English wine onto the global stage. On a recent visit to the estate during their 2024 harvest, it became clear why Nyetimber continues to thrive under the watchful eye of its current owners and winemakers.

The 2024 Harvest: A Promising Vintage

On Friday, the 4th of October, Nyetimber began picking what they anticipate will be a standout harvest for the 2024 vintage. With an expected 2,500 tonnes of fruit to be picked, optimism is high as the acidity and sugars in the grapes are showing great balance. Meticulous sorting processes are being employed to ensure only the highest-quality fruit is selected for production.

During a tour of the estate, the winemaking team explained that Nyetimber uses 100% estate-owned fruit, allowing them complete control over the growing, harvesting, and production processes. This careful management has been a cornerstone of their success. The estate covers 425 hectares, with 350 currently being harvested this year. The remaining land is home to a mixture of young and old vines, each contributing to the complexity and structure of their wines.

A Rich History of Nyetimber

Nyetimber’s history is as rich as the wines it produces. Originally gifted by Henry VIII to Thomas Cromwell, the estate has passed through various hands over the centuries. Anne of Cleves took ownership after Cromwell’s execution, and since then, the land has seen many changes. In 1988, Stuart and Sandy Moss planted the first Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier vines, and the estate’s winemaking journey began in earnest. Their first release, a Blanc de Blancs from the 1992 vintage, hit the market in 1996 and quickly gained recognition.

In 2006, Nyetimber was taken over by Eric Heerema, who has since invested heavily in the estate, building it into the internationally renowned brand it is today. Heerema’s passion for sparkling wine and his dedication to perfection have been instrumental in Nyetimber’s growth. He even resides on the estate, a testament to his commitment to realising his lifelong dream.

The winemaking duo of Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix, a Canadian couple, have further solidified Nyetimber’s reputation. In 2018, Cherie Spriggs was named the best international sparkling wine maker, making her the first woman and the first non-Champagne-region recipient of the award.

The Land and the Vines

The terroir of Nyetimber plays a crucial role in the quality of its wines. The estate’s 11 vineyards are planted on a mix of chalk and green sand soils, which are free-draining and ideal for viticulture. The vines can reach up to two metres deep, drawing nutrients from the thin, infertile soils. The sheltered location of the vineyards, combined with south-facing slopes that capture the afternoon sun, allows for the development of the complex flavours and crisp acidity that define Nyetimber’s sparkling wines.

At the time of our visit, the estate was abuzz with activity, as teams worked to harvest the grapes and press them on site. Nyetimber uses automatic presses designed specifically for sparkling wine production. These presses can hold up to 8,000 kilos of grapes and process them with remarkable precision, ensuring that the juice is extracted without damaging the skins or middle of the grapes. The entire process is swift, with up to 550 crates, each containing 10 to 15 kilos of grapes, loaded into the press in just 20 minutes.

Older vines, while producing more complex and interesting fruit, tend to yield less and are more prone to disease. This is a trade-off that Nyetimber manages expertly, balancing the benefits of mature vines with the need for consistent, high-quality production.

Nyetimber’s most prized juice comes from the first press of the grapes, known as the cuvée. This is particularly true of younger vines, which offer the best yield for sparkling wine. Vines between 20 and 25 years old are ideal for this type of production, offering a balance between quality and quantity.

The Winemaking Process: Precision and Care

Nyetimber’s commitment to quality extends to every aspect of their production process. Each of their 11 vineyards is divided into 156 different parcels, and these are picked, pressed, and fermented separately. This specific approach allows for the blending of wines from different parcels, creating a final product that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The estate’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the tour, from the design of their presses to the organisation of their vineyards. Even the local wildlife plays a role, with badgers being particularly fond of Pinot Noir grapes, much to the frustration of the vineyard team!

A Decadent Lunch in the Medieval Barn

The highlight of the day came in the form of a three-course lunch served in Nyetimber’s beautifully restored medieval barn. Built in 1450, the barn has been lovingly restored with green sandstone, underfloor heating, and a full commercial kitchen. As we dined, we had the opportunity to sample some of Nyetimber’s finest offerings.

The 2016 Blanc de Blancs, made from 100% Chardonnay, was a standout. With six years of lees ageing, it exhibited fresh brioche notes, a creamy texture, and a vibrancy that paired beautifully with the meal.

The 1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2013, considered the pinnacle of the estate’s offerings, was nothing short of spectacular. Only 2,000 bottles were produced, using the best parcels from their vineyards. Aged for six years in bottle and an additional four years post-disgorgement, this rosé was a decadent delight with a silky texture and depth of flavour.

Finally, we tasted the Cuvée Cherie Multi-Vintage, a slightly sweeter wine that pairs wonderfully with dessert. Based on the 2018 vintage, with some wines going back as far as 2014, it had five years of lees ageing and was inspired by the German Riesling tradition. Its light sweetness made it a perfect companion to the tarte tatin dessert, though it would also complement spicy, savoury dishes such as Thai or Malaysian cuisine.

A Harvest To Remember!

Nyetimber’s 2024 harvest promises to be a special one, with the estate continuing to demonstrate why it stands at the forefront of English sparkling wine production. From its rich history to its meticulous production methods, Nyetimber remains a shining example of the potential for winemaking in England. The future looks bright for this exceptional estate, and we feel fortunate to have experienced it firsthand.