Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie MV.
Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie is a pioneering English sparkling wine, marking a significant achievement as the country’s first demi-sec Blanc de Blancs. Crafted solely from Chardonnay, this multi-vintage cuvée is a tribute to Nyetimber’s winemaker Cherie Spriggs. Designed to complement both sweet and savory dishes, Cuvee Chérie delivers a harmonious blend of vibrancy, depth, and refined sweetness.
About the Winery
Nyetimber stands as a trailblazer in English sparkling wine, renowned for its dedication to quality and innovation. Established in 1988 in West Sussex, it was the first English estate to cultivate classic Champagne grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—solely for sparkling wine production.
Owned by Dutch entrepreneur Eric Heerema, Nyetimber has gained international acclaim through meticulous craftsmanship and strategic vineyard expansion. The estate spans over 425 hectares across West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent, benefiting from ideal chalk and greensand soils that mirror those of Champagne.
Under the expertise of winemakers Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix, Nyetimber has cemented its reputation for excellence, often rivalling top Champagne houses. Their commitment to precision—from hand-harvesting to long lees aging—ensures that each bottle reflects the estate’s hallmark style of finesse, complexity, and balance.
About the Wine
The edition we reviewed predominantly features the 2018 vintage (79%), enhanced with reserve wine from 2014 (21%). Nyetimber’s dedication to transparency is evident in its detailed back label, which provides insights into key production aspects, including bottling, riddling, disgorging dates, and precise dosage. This meticulous attention to detail ensures exceptional consistency and character.
From Bottle to Glass
In the glass, Cuvee Chérie displays a pale golden hue, accentuated by a delicate shimmer. The effervescence is fine and persistent, lending an air of sophistication. The aromatic profile is bright and engaging, unveiling hints of citrus zest, floral honey, and stone fruit, complemented by a subtle mineral edge. Nuances of baked apple and caramelized nuts emerge, adding depth to the bouquet.
On the palate, the wine offers a luscious yet poised expression. With a moderate level of residual sugar (39 g/l), it presents a silky, layered mouthfeel, where ripe orchard fruits and golden honey tones interplay with a fresh, structured acidity. Extended lees aging—spanning over five years—enhances the wine’s texture, adding nuance and finesse to the delicate bubbles. This wine finds a graceful balance between opulence and liveliness, never tipping too far into sweetness but instead delivering a poised and elegant experience.
The finish lingers with a refined touch, leaving traces of candied citrus, roasted almonds, and a whisper of warm pastry. The wine’s seamless integration of vibrancy and indulgence sets it apart among demi-sec sparkling wines.
Pairing Suggestions and Final Thoughts
Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie is an exceptionally versatile sparkling wine, seamlessly complementing a range of dishes. Initially designed to enhance delicate desserts, its exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity makes it equally suited to subtly spiced cuisine, rich pâtés, and buttery confections. From fresh strawberries with whipped cream to lightly caramelized pastries and classic English tea-time treats, each pairing is elevated by its refined character.
Its appeal extends well beyond sweets. This wine pairs effortlessly with fragrant Asian dishes, such as aromatic Thai or delicate Japanese cuisine, while also serving as a superb match for foie gras, artisanal charcuterie, and savory starters like pâté or toasted brioche with creamy toppings.
With its refined profile and impeccable balance, Cuvee Chérie exemplifies Nyetimber’s dedication to innovation in English sparkling wine. Whether enjoyed as a luxurious aperitif or paired with an inspired culinary selection, it delivers an unforgettable experience.
We award this Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie with an impressive 91-point DWA score, recognizing its elegance, depth, and exceptional craftsmanship.
In other reviews of Nyetimber wines we also released the following wines:
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: €48,45
Taste Date: February 2025
Score: 91/100 DWA Score
Website: Nyetimber