Steven Spurrier. Remember him? Helped to orchestrate a little Parisian PR stunt tasting of the best of Napa Valley vs. the top Bordeaux and Burgundies to commemorate America’s bi-centennial back in 1976? We all know how that turned out. Welp, he’s the man behind Bride Valley… and this is no stunt. Just thoughtful exploration of how best to recreate Champagne… outside of Champagne. Just under 100 miles north of Reims, along England’s famed Jurassic Coast, you’ll find the little hamlet of Dorset. Here, chalky, limestone, fossil-riddled soils reign supreme (like many other spots from the Cote des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, The Marne Valley, and more)! The cool climate of the northerly position is perfectly moderated by the tropical influenced waters of the Gulf Stream – basically Mother Nature’s boon to the British that makes the isles even habitable for humans. 

Steven Spurrier had spent enough time in the wine industry to recognize these soils at his home, and see their innate potential. After years of talking himself out of the project, he gave in – planting some 44,000 vines on his 25 acre parcel. In 2011, they celebrated their first harvest. The weather was fickle, as England’s climate is wont to be, and it took a few years to really produce a viable crop. The meager harvests were studied and experimented with, taking each challenge as an opportunity to create the best sparkling wines west of the English Channel. 

This 2017 is a testament, as well as a statement, that world class bubbly is here to stay in Britain. A low-yielding harvest, due to high disease pressure in the humid summer season, the grapes nevertheless showcased a potential not seen in prior vintages. A final blend of 50% chardonnay, 39% pinot noir, and 11% pinot meunier – this is a classically styled, methode champenoise sparkler that delivers! A compact and gentle mousse initially reveals floral and mineral notes of honeysuckle and sea spray, with a series of sensations in the mouth that range from salted plum, to lemongrass, to toasted almonds, golden apples, and bright lemon and tangerine oils. The finish is long, creamy, and rich, with that salty, Cliffs of Dover spine carrying the day. Cool stuff, regardless of where it was grown… but cooler still to be the only spot in the USA where this is available!