Breaky Bottom Cuvée Jack Pike 2015, Sussex

Peter Hall is a winemaking pioneer. He planted his Breaky Bottom (that's the real name, not something made up by a marketing department) vineyard in 1974 long before it was fashionable. To begin with he planted Seyval Blanc, mostly for its ability to ripen in the cooler British climate. Yet even as varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have gained in popularity, Breaky Bottom is still planted with 60% Seyval Blanc.As a still table wine Seyval Blanc can be a little underwhelming. Yet Peter's English sparkling wine has been described as "effervescent magic" by wine critic Jancis Robinson.Cuvée Jack Pike, Seyval Blanc 2015Each of the cuvées crafted at Breaky Bottom are dedicated to a close friend or relative. Each bottle is numbered. Jack Pike helped Peter plant the vineyard in 1974 and this wine is named in his memory.The wine has spent four years on its lees. It has a fine balance of fruit and acidity. Delicate aromas of fresh elderflower, green apple and white flowers make this a truly English sparkling wine that is aging beautifully.