2019 Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs Brut

The Rathfinny Estate winery in Sussex

Rathfinny Wine Estate was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver in the heart of East Sussex, Southern England. What was once a grain farm was transformed into an ambitious wine project with the aim of producing world-class sparkling wines. The first vines – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – were planted in 2012. Today the estate covers over 230 hectares.

The wine estate is located in the Cradle Valley area, in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Its location on a south-facing slope, three miles from the sea and close to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs, provides excellent climatic conditions. The soil – a mix of clay-loam on limestone – is well-draining and comparable to that in Champagne. The proximity to the sea limits the risk of frost, which is crucial for quality production in cooler climates. Ideal conditions for refined English sparkling wines that can easily compete with French Champagnes. Read more about English sparkling wines here and the reasons why many large houses in Sussex / South England are now making wines or have planted vineyards.

Top quality English sparkling wine

Rathfinny produces exclusively sparkling wines using the traditional method, with a strong focus on quality, sustainability and terroir expression. The Blanc de Blancs Brut is their pure expression of Chardonnay, designed to embody elegance and freshness, without excess.

Vinification and bottle maturation

After manual harvesting, the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 16°C, with the addition of selected commercial yeasts. The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation, which contributed to a softer mouthfeel. This was followed by 30 months of bottle maturation – considerably longer than the legally required maturation time – to develop complexity and refinement. With a dosage of only 3 g/l, the wine remains dry and tight.

Color, aroma and taste of the Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs

The Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs shows in the glass a bright golden color with a green hue with a fine mousse in the mouth. The aroma profile is expressive, with floral notes of citrus and spicy hints of thyme. In the mouth the wine is lively and layered, with flavors of fresh kiwi, candied kumquat and a subtle hint of grapefruit candy. The structure is tight, but with sufficient softness, partly due to the maturation in bottle. The finish is long and refreshing.

Would you like to order Rathfinny wines online?

The Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs 2019 is in stock at our conditioned Wine Warehouse. If you choose to pick up the wine yourself, you will often receive an attractive discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, almost directly on the A16, with ample parking. Click here for our address .

Would you like to read the full reviews from renowned international wine critics such as Parker, Suckling or Vinous? These are available via the links next to the image on our website. This service is completely free for our customers.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to go with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier . Freely available for Grandcruwijnen customers.

Wine and food pairings with Rathfinny Blanc de Blancs 2019

• Fresh oysters – The salty freshness of the oysters perfectly matches the lively acidity and salty note of this wine.
• Goat Cheese Tarts with Honey and Walnuts – The creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey are beautifully balanced by the tight mouthfeel and fine mousse.
• Sea bass tartare with lime and coriander – The citrus accents in the wine enhance the fresh character of the dish.
• Risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan cheese – The creaminess and umami of the risotto form a nice contrast with the fresh acidity of the wine.
• Roasted lobster with lemon butter – The delicate structure of the lobster and the creamy lemon sauce harmonize perfectly with the minerality of the wine.
• Scallop carpaccio with apple and dill – The freshness of the apple and the subtle salty taste of the scallops match the refined character of this Blanc de Blancs.