Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV.
Sparkling wine is produced worldwide, varying in quality and price. Among the countries making significant strides in sparkling wine production, the United Kingdom stands out, with England emerging as a key player. Leading the charge is Nyetimber, renowned for its exceptional high-end sparkling wines. In this review, we delve into Nyetimber’s flagship wine, the Classic Cuvée—a globally loved and celebrated expression of English winemaking excellence.
About the Winery
Nyetimber is a pioneer in English sparkling wine and one of the most acclaimed wineries in the world. Founded in 1988 in West Sussex, Nyetimber was the first English estate to grow the classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, exclusively for producing English Sparkling Wine.
The estate is now owned by Dutch entrepreneur Eric Heerema and his family, who have been instrumental in elevating Nyetimber to international acclaim. Their vision and investment in both the winery and the vineyards have ensured that Nyetimber not only competes with but often surpasses many top-tier Champagne houses.
Nestled in the rolling countryside of southern England, Nyetimber benefits from a unique combination of chalk and greensand soils, paired with a climate perfectly suited to the production of premium sparkling wines. The estate spans over 425 hectares across several carefully selected sites in West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent, each chosen for their exceptional terroir.
Nyetimber’s philosophy revolves around meticulous craftsmanship, from hand-harvesting the grapes to vinifying each parcel separately. This attention to detail ensures the utmost quality in every bottle. The wines undergo long lees aging, often exceeding three years, to develop the complexity and finesse that have become hallmarks of Nyetimber’s style.
Under the stewardship of Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix, Nyetimber has consistently earned global acclaim, with its wines often rivaling the best Champagnes. The combination of Dutch ownership and world-class winemaking expertise has solidified Nyetimber’s reputation as a leader in the burgeoning English sparkling wine scene.
About the Wine
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV is the quintessential expression of the winery’s expertise, standing as their flagship wine and renowned for delivering exceptional quality and consistent value over the years. This sparkling wine is a true crowd-pleaser, crafted as a multi-vintage blend where each vintage contributes uniquely to the final composition.
Each bottle is marked with a unique number on the back label, providing detailed insights into the wine’s makeup. This includes the grape composition, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the hallmark trio of traditional sparkling wine production as seen in Champagne.
For this cuvée, the blend consists of 48% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 19% Pinot Meunier. The base wine is from the 2020 vintage (71%), enhanced by reserve wines from 2019 (7%), 2018 (5%), 2017 (12%), and 2015 (5%). The back label also includes key winemaking details such as bottling, riddling, and disgorging dates, as well as the dosage level—a testament to Nyetimber’s transparency and dedication to craftsmanship.
From Bottle to Glass
In the glass, this sparkling wine shines with a radiant pale-golden hue and a stream of fine, persistent bubbles, exuding elegance. The nose unfolds with aromas of toasted brioche, baked apples, and zesty citrus, interwoven with hints of spice and a delicate earthiness, reminiscent of mushrooms. These layers of complexity reflect the extended lees aging of over three years.
On the palate, the wine delivers a beautifully balanced interplay of flavors. Bright citrus fruits and crisp green apples are complemented by richer notes of honey, roasted almonds, and buttery pastry, offering a delightful combination of freshness and indulgence. Chardonnay dominates the blend, contributing vibrant acidity and subtle tropical fruit nuances, while Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier add structure, depth, and a velvety mouthfeel. A fine, creamy mousse enhances the wine’s luxurious texture.
The finish is clean and refreshing, showcasing saline minerality and lingering notes of citrus, nuts, and warm baked goods. Striking the perfect balance between elegance, complexity, and intensity, this wine is as approachable as it is refined.
Pairing Suggestions and Final Thoughts
This flagship cuvée is a versatile companion to a variety of dishes, pairing effortlessly with oysters, smoked salmon, sushi or even creamy cheeses. Whether savored during a celebratory toast, enjoyed with freshly caught seafood on a sunny day, or shared during quiet indulgent moments, the Classic Cuvée demonstrates why Nyetimber is regarded as one of the finest sparkling wine producers in the world.
With its remarkable depth, finesse, and complexity, we score the Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage a well-deserved 92 points on the DWA scale, further cementing its status as a benchmark for English sparkling wine.
This review is written by Niels Aarts. Nyetimber is imported in the Netherlands by De Bruijn in Wijnen and available through their webshop and various retail and hospitality partners.
Price: €45,45
Taste Date: February 2025
Score: 92/100 DWA Score
Website: Nyetimber