In 2004, when the first vines were planted at Gusbourne Estate, they had a clear vision and a single goal: to create English Sparkling Wines that would stand up alongside the very finest offerings from across the globe. Gusbourne have had their sights set on perfection ever since.
The Gusbourne team, under the watchful eye of Head Winemaker Charlie Holland, has produced some of the world’s most celebrated English Sparkling Wines, winning numerous international awards and becoming the only three-time winner of the IWSC English Wine Producer of the Year.
Focusing on just the classic grape varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Gusbourne believe that the only way to ensure the quality of their grapes is to grow them themselves. That’s why the grapes used in Gusbourne’s winemaking are sourced solely from Gusbourne vineyards.
Aligned with Gusbourne’s vision to create the finest wines they possibly can, they choose to plant predominantly Burgundian clones. This means that Gusbourne produce lower yields, but the resultant fruit is riper and has significantly more flavour, making their grapes ideal for the production of fine sparkling wine.
Gusbourne’s winemaking is a slow and measured process. They have an uncompromising quest for quality and a fastidious approach to detail. Gusbourne follows strict, self-imposed parameters to maintain their exacting standards and keep intervention to an absolute minimum to ensure the best expression of their wines each and every year.
This is especially important because Gusbourne wines are exclusively vintage. They are unique to each growing season and present an authentic reflection of a time and place.
Gusbourne’s tasting room, The Nest, is open all year round and they extend a warm invitation to anyone who wishes to enjoy the picturesque Kent countryside for a tour, tasting and to enjoy their award-winning English sparkling wines.
With the finest selection of still and sparkling wines within the Gusbourne portfolio Head Winemaker Charlie Holland shares his personal recommendations for Christmas and the best way to toast the day:
Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2015 (£59.00) is the multi-award-winning sparkling wine created from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Blanc de Blancs has classic Chardonnay aromas of green apple and citrus, combined with mineral notes and white stone fruits on the palate. Hints of toasted hazelnuts and buttered toast give complexity from extended lees ageing. This wine is a great accompaniment to seafood and pairs perfectly with freshly shucked oysters.
“Regarded as being at the very pinnacle of English Sparkling Wines, the wines are only released when deemed ready by myself and Master Sommelier and Gusbourne Brand Ambassador Laura Rhys,” notes Charlie Holland. This wine is an ideal accompaniment to smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on Christmas morning.
Gusbourne Blanc de Noirs 2016 (£59.00) is the vineyard’s newest edition made from the finest Pinot Noir grapes. Blanc de Noirs delivers intensity and offers fine-tuned notes of dried candied fruits, violet flowers, crisp cox apple, raspberries and fresh cherries.
“When producing Blanc de Noirs the aim was to create a classic alternative to Blanc de Blancs, delivering a true reflection of a contemporary sparkling Pinot Noir. This is a wine that holds your attention and is perfectly paired with hearty meat dishes like duck or game” comments Charlie.
Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2016 (£39.00) is an elegant combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It is a robust expression of Gusbourne’s personality. Deep gold, dark and rich, the palate is fruit driven, with red apples, poached pear and bright red berry fruit. It displays subtle flavours of peach and developed toasty notes of freshly baked bread, roasted nuts and apple pie.” Gusbourne’s Brut Reserve is perfect to enjoy with your Christmas turkey.
Gusbourne Rosé 2016 (£49.00) is a delectable wine made from a blend of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Unique to each growing season, this Rosé keeps summer sun going all year long. Delicate pink in appearance, it offers soft berries and fresh pastry notes, with a vibrant citrus streak on the finish. This wine serves as an excellent choice for the Boxing Day meal.
Gusbourne also hosts vineyard tours and expert-led tastings that are sure to entice any English wine connoisseur this Christmas.
A guided tour of the vineyard is the perfect gift for true wine lovers. Your loved one will join one of Gusbourne’s wine experts in the Garden of England for a Guided Tour (£25 per person) among the vineyards.
The Discovery Tour (£70 per person) is a hosted tour of Gusbourne Estate, followed by an extended tasting over a delicious array of sharing plates. The Estate Tour (£95 per person) is ideal for a special gift and the receiver will spend an afternoon unwinding in the countryside, tasting some exclusive rare releases and limited-edition bottles, alongside a seasonal, locally sourced three-course lunch.
The ultimate gift is Gusbourne Reserved (£500), membership to which guarantees an allocation of wine as well as access to a range of exclusive benefits. Members receive 12 bottles of Gusbourne sparkling wine during the year and have the opportunity to order limited edition, mature and rare wines not available anywhere else.
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