Wyfold Vineyard Rosé 2018

English sparkling wine now rivals Champagne in both quality and price. As The Times (one of the U.K.’s leading newspapers) reports, “the Champagne grapes of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, grown in the right spot, with the right pair of Champagne method-knowledgable hands, do make something as magical as Champagne.” And we have found a brilliant example in Wyfold Vineyard Rosé.

Back in 2003, Barbara Laithwaite planted a hectare of vines—super tiny by wine production standards—in Oxfordshire’s Chiltern Hills. This prime spot has sunny, south-facing slopes, a relatively high altitude (100 meters above sea level) and well-draining gravel soils. These conditions combine to yield grapes with beautiful ripeness, freshness and complexity.

Last vintage, this elegant wine won the International Wine Challenge’s English Sparkling Rosé trophy, and critic Jane MacQuitty named it the ‘English Star’ in her Top 100 list, calling it “a cracker” (that’s British for really good). The judges at Decanter rated it 90 points, praising its “intense, concentrated fruit aromas including citrus, red fruits, dried raspberries, cherries and ripe strawberries.”

Thanks to the warm 2018 vintage, the new release is every bit as impressive, boasting multiple 90+ point scores, including 96 points from the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Look forward to a delicate pink color, with classic citrus, red berry, a touch of herbs and toasty biscuit aromas and flavors. The palate offers a vibrant minerality, plus effervescent bubbles and a lengthy, elegant finish. Perfect for celebratory toasts, seafood or roasted white meats.

Given Barbara’s strict quality focus—and the small harvest—we have very few cases of this fine English fizz to share. Act now to secure yours.