Brits have long been consuming bubbly, even before Champagne found a home among the Royal Court at Versailles. In fact, British citizens have historically drunk more sparkling wine per capita than anyone in the world. Now, thanks to climate change and increasingly warmer temperatures, the area just south of London has been able to produce some world-class sparkling wines in recent years. Home to rich limestone soils, where the sparkling mainstay varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay happen to thrive, this area’s cool climate is reminiscent of Champagne 25 years ago. No wonder Steven Spurrier got in on the trend early and procured a chunk of land to plant his Bride Valley brand back in 2006!

Recognize that name? He’s the guy who helped to orchestrate that little Parisian PR stunt tasting of the best Napa Valley wines vs. the top Bordeaux and Burgundy wines in commemoration of America’s bi-centennial in 1976. We all remember how that turned out, but this time…there’s no stunt – just a thoughtful exploration of how to recreate delectable Champagne, outside of Champagne. The location is positioned less than 100 miles north of Reims, planted along England’s so-called “Jurassic Coast,” where limestone, chalk, and fossilized rock are de rigueur. It’s kind of like “Champagne West,” – the perfect place for stellar grape growing. The cool climate is balanced out by the tropically influenced waters of the Gulf Stream to allow for workable growing (and living) conditions among the isles.

This 2016 is an absolutely stunning rosé – and a fantastic value, as well. The 53% Pinot Noir allows for a full and fruit-forward character, while 47% Chardonnay lends the wine a freshness and scintillating minerality. A minimum of 3 years on the lees follows the bar set by vintage Champagne, and a Brut dosage adds the necessary weight and amplification to bring everything into balance and allow for impressive aging. The aromatics are balanced and fresh, with ruby red grapefruit, cherry blossom, and summer strawberries galore. In the mouth, the wine is light, yet substantial, with bright and zesty notes of raspberries, peaches, lemongrass, Meyer lemons, and a nicely chalky undercurrent throughout. Taste this blind against a Billecart Salmon rosé (at nearly twice the price), and tell me it doesn’t hold its own! Simply put – this is a classically styled, methode champenoise sparkler that massively delivers… and then some!