2019 Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut

The Sussex Region and the Rise of Rathfinny Wine Estate

In the scenic South of England, in the heart of the South Downs National Park, lies Rathfinny Wine Estate. Renowned for its rolling hills, chalky soils and mild climate, this region has become a leading area for high-quality English sparkling wines. Just three miles from the coast, near the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs and the picturesque village of Alfriston, this impressive vineyard lies in the Cradle Valley.

Rathfinny was founded in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, with the aim of producing world-class sparkling wine. What began as an old grain farm, transformed within a few years into a modern winery of over 230 hectares, planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. These three grape varieties also form the core of the classic Champagne blend – and that is no coincidence. The terroirs of Rathfinny are very similar to those of the Champagne region, with a similar soil structure of limestone and well-drained clay-loam soils. Thanks to its location near the sea, the climate is relatively warm and stable, and frost damage in spring is largely avoided. 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.

The character of the 2019 Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut

The 2019 Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut is the fourth vintage of this so-called 'house style' of the winery. The wine is made according to the traditional method, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle - an essential step for complex aroma development and fine mousse.

The blend consists of 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. All grapes were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 16°C. The wine underwent full malolactic fermentation, which softened the acidity slightly and contributed to a creamier mouthfeel. After assembly, the wine matured in bottle with the yeasts for 30 months, resulting in layered aromas and an elegant mousse. The dosage has been kept low at 5 g/l, which emphasizes the fresh and tight style.

Tasting notes: colour, aroma and flavour

The 2019 Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut shines in the glass with a subtle golden yellow color, a nuance reminiscent of buttermilk. On the nose, the wine shows itself refined and complex with aromas of white plums, ginger and a hint of toasted bread with cinnamon. The scent is elegantly supported by a light spiciness.

In the mouth, the wine is rich but balanced: flavours of white apricot and crème pâtissière alternate, with fresh accents of candied Meyer lemon in the background. The mousse is refined and persistent, which gives it an elegant structure and a lively finish. This is a wine that combines refinement with maturity and freshness, ideal for special moments and gastronomic combinations.

The grape varieties and their role in the blend

The choice for a classic Champagne blend is deliberate. Pinot Noir provides structure, spicy accents and body. The Chardonnay adds liveliness and freshness, as well as citrus notes that keep the wine elegant. Pinot Meunier completes the blend with round fruit aromas and a floral nuance. The ratio in this cuvée is perfectly balanced, with a slight dominance of Pinot Noir, which strengthens the backbone character of the wine without making it too heavy.

Refinement through long maturation

A crucial element of the Rathfinny Classic Cuvée is the maturation: the wine spent no less than 30 months on the yeasts. This long bottle maturation ensures a fine bubble structure, brioche tones and depth. Thanks to the low dosage, the character of the grapes and the terroir remains clearly present, without excessive sweetness. This makes the wine not only refreshing as an aperitif, but also gastronomically usable.

Would you like to order wines from Rathfinny Wine Estate online?

Rathfinny's sparkling wines are stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse, where they are kept under ideal conditions. Would you like to benefit from extra discount? Come and collect your wine in Dordrecht and often receive a nice discount. This discount will be visible immediately when you select 'Collect' on the checkout page. Our collection point is located right next to the A16 and has ample parking. Click here for our address.

Want to read the opinions of international wine critics like Parker, Suckling or Vinous? The full reviews are available for free via the links next to the image on our website.

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

Matching wine and food combinations with Rathfinny Classic Cuvée 2019

Linguine with clams and fennel
The salty freshness of shellfish combined with the aniseed notes of fennel perfectly match the minerality and citrus character of the wine.

Ham hock terrine with cornichons
The creamy and savoury texture of the terrine goes perfectly with the round acids and lively mousse, which refreshes the palate.

Grilled sea bass with lemon butter and capers
A light dish with fattiness and fresh acids that accentuates and enhances the finesse of the wine.

Duck breast with orange sauce and roasted parsnips
The rich flavours of the duck and the sweet acids of the sauce find a perfect balance with the structure and fruity length of the sparkling wine.

Shallot tarte tatin with goat cheese
A special combination in which the caramelized character of the shallot and the creaminess of the cheese challenge and enhance the wine.

Baked scallops with cauliflower cream and hazelnuts
An elegant combination of seafood, creamy elements and nutty notes that merge with the complexity of this sparkling wine.