RATHFINNY’S 2019 CHOSEN AS ‘SPARKLING WINE OF THE MONTH’ AT THE RITZ LONDON

Rathfinny Wine Estate’s latest releases, a 2015 Blanc de Noirs and 2016 Rosé, feature as the ‘Sparkling of the Month’ at The Ritz London this month! This is only the second time in The Ritz’s illustrious 113-year history that a non-Champagne has been chosen for this monthly honour and underlines the growing reputation of English sparkling wine.

Giovanni Ferlito, Head of Wine and Beverage at The Ritz: “We’re delighted that the launch of the first release of Rathfinny’s Blanc de Noirs, the 2015 vintage, will be taking place at The Ritz London on 1st May. I have been a fan of Rathfinny since I had the privilege to visit the Estate in 2017, and believe that the quality of their wines marks them as a leading light within the industry. Rathfinny is the second ever English sparkling wine to be featured in our ‘sparkling wine of the month’ calendar, in the hotel’s 113-year history. With a premium and complex style, I firmly believe Rathfinny represents some of the finest quality in sparkling wine production today, and I look forward to sharing with our hotel guests.”

“Just 1 hour from central London by train, you can find yourself in the middle of a beautiful 70 hectares Vineyard overlooking the small hills going down towards the coast between Brighton and Eastbourne and you can enjoy the incredible landscape with the sight of the sea in the distance. The feeling is just great, it’s like being in Champagne, but with a sea view!”

Rathfinny was established in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, on the site of a working arable farm, and is already producing Sussex Sparkling wines that rival the best ‘Traditional Method’ sparkling wines in the world. Rathfinny’s first Sussex Sparkling wines - conforming to the strict Sussex PDO guidelines, which ensure provenance as well as quality - were launched at Somerset House (London) to wide acclaim in May 2018.

Brand Ambassador Rob Buckhaven said: “We were very pleased to have such wonderful reviews of our first releases in 2018 and are confident that our 2015 Blanc de Noirs and 2016 Rosé will earn similar praise from premium wine enthusiast.

“Our 2015 Blanc de Noirs, made from 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Pinot Meunier, has been aged for thirty-six months on the yeast lees. It has an enticing blush that sets the scene for perfumed peony and wild strawberry on the nose, while on the palate, its rich mousse of raspberries and toasted almonds gives way to a caramelised red-apple finish”.

He added that “The 2016 Rathfinny Rosé is vivid coral in hue and has a lifted nose of wild strawberries and mandarin zest, giving way to a rich mousse of Rainier cherries and candied red apple skin, and a silky, strawberry shortcake finish”.

Mark Driver explained, “I’m particularly pleased to show our first Blanc de Noirs as I love Pinot Noir within sparkling wine. The rich fruit flavours dance around the mouth and provide great length.”

“Having tasted our Blanc de Noirs a year before release, its generous red fruit character was extremely impressive even then, without the addition of a dosage. The third year’s bottle ageing and low dosage have given this wine an additional complexity, further showcasing its incredible purity of fruit.“

“Our wines are a superb reflection of Rathfinny’s unique terrior – a combination of our geography, micro climate and chalky soils – and a testament to the expertise of our Estate team, under the direction of renowned Winemaker Jonathan Médard and Vineyard Manager Cameron Roucher.”

In addition to producing wine, the Rathfinny Wine Estate has become a popular destination for wine tourists. The Winery is home to the Cellar Door where visitors can enjoy organised Vineyard tours and wine tastings, whilst the Tasting Room restaurant with its panoramic windows and large balcony overlooking the Vineyard, under the direction of Michelin-starred Head chef Chris Bailey, specialises in seasonal, modern British cuisine. Also, on the Estate, the Flint Barns provide wonderful ‘home from home’ accommodation and hosts sumptuous Sunday lunches.

Sarah Driver, Co-Owner of Rathfinny said: “We aim to create a visitor experience that matches the premium quality of our Sussex wines and enhances the overall reputation of the Rathfinny brand. We want people to stay with us, dine with us, enjoy the Vineyard and surrounding countryside and learn about our wines”.

Rathfinny’s new sparkling wines, a 2015 Blanc de Noirs and a 2016 Rose will be released in June 2019 to premium On-trade and independent Off-trade accounts. The wines will also be available in Hong Kong from June and in the USA from late 2020. Rathfinny plans to sell up to 50 per cent of its production to key overseas markets within Europe, Asia and North America over the next five years.

Find out more: www.rathfinnyestate.com