Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2022

Gusbourne is one of England's leading traditional-method sparkling wine estates, with vineyards in Appledore, Kent, and near Goodwood in West Sussex. The Kent vineyards occupy a south-facing escarpment with predominantly clay soils over sand and marine deposits, while the West Sussex sites are characterised by chalk and flinty loam. The 2022 Brut Reserve is a blend of 54% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir and 14% Pinot Meunier, harvested by hand following a warm, dry growing season that produced fruit of considerable concentration. The grapes were whole-bunch pressed and fermented primarily in stainless steel, with a small proportion fermented in seasoned oak barrels. Following secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine spent a minimum of 26 months ageing on lees, developing the characteristic complexity of traditional-method sparkling wine. Aromas of ripe pear, golden apple and citrus peel are accompanied by toasted brioche, roasted cobnuts and delicate spice. The palate is generous and finely textured, with persistent bubbles, ripe orchard fruit and a pronounced citrus acidity that carries through to a long, refreshing finish. At 7.5 g/L residual sugar and 9 g/L total acidity, it combines richness and freshness with considerable precision.