English Sparkling Wines
Gusbourne Fifty One Degrees North 2016
Characteristic citrus flavours with rich notes of stone and orchard fruits layered on top; harmoniously balanced acidity and richness; incredible finish
Over time in the glass, the wine reveals its complexity: from classic citrus notes to stone fruit, green apple and orchard fruit.
Gusbourne Chief Winemaker Charlie Holland commented: “The 2016 vintage has much in common with 2014. The fruit had the same intensity, complexity and length, with distinct mineral and maritime notes. It’s a little toastier in style.” In the winery, Charlie amplified this toasty, brioche profile with judicious use of oak.
The wine’s blend is two-thirds Chardonnay, one-third Pinot Noir. Winemaker Charlie Holland chose to tip the balance of the Chardonnay from their vineyards in Kent. Here, the clay and sandstone soils lend the fruit characteristic silkiness, roundness and weight. The Pinot Noir was sourced from both of Kent and West Sussex sites, with the fruit grown in the chalk and flint soil of our West Sussex vineyards imparting elegance, poise, freshness and structure.
Charlie and his team have tasted Fifty One Degrees North at least twice a year every year. They’ve carefully monitored the wine, gently assessing its profile as it has evolved in bottle. In the end, Fifty One Degrees North spent over 67 months on lees. And now, at last, its complex flavours are ready to enjoy.
The 2016 vintage was a year of near-perfect growing conditions. The mild spring saw a mid-April bud burst. Flowering, which began towards the end of June, was successful and the warm, dry weather resulted in abundant fruit being set. Gusbourne’s Vineyard Manager, Jon Pollard, carefully regulated the crop, dropping fruit where required to help boost the grapes’ concentration and flavours. By harvest time on 2nd October, the fruit was ripe and exceptionally well balanced.
Gusbourne has 60 hectares at Gusbourne Estate in Kent and 30 hectares in West Sussex that are planted with the 3 classic varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The distinct terroir and exceptionally mild microclimates of the surroundings add their own depth and complexity to the wines, and Gusbourne aims to allow the combination of site, soil and hard work in the vines to reflect in every bottle.
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