Sparkling Wines Sussex Nyetimber - Tillington Single Vineyard - 2010

Viniou Reviews

Nyetimber’s Cuvée Tillington Single Vineyard 2010 is one of the jewels of English sparkling wine, hailing from the esteemed Sussex PDO. This is a Blanc de Noirs, crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, hand-harvested from a single plot within the Tillington Vineyard. The 2010 vintage stands as an exceptional year, with ideal ripening conditions allowing depth and complexity to shine. Produced by the traditional method, also known as méthode traditionnelle, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle, which contributes to its refined mousse and characteristic bready, autolytic notes. As a Brut, the dosage is well-judged, intensifying both purity and vibrancy on the palate.

The Sussex region, particularly West Sussex, has garnered significant acclaim for its sparkling wines, benefitting from its cool but increasingly sunny southern English climate. The limestone- and greensand-rich soils mirror those of Champagne, providing excellent drainage and mineral depth for the Pinot Noir vines. Sussex’s proximity to the sea tempers extremes, promoting long, slow ripening that preserves freshness and structure in the grapes. The winemaking tradition here is relatively young by European standards, but rapid investment and expertise have placed Sussex firmly among the world’s top sparkling wine terroirs.

When considering food pairings, this elegant and expressive sparkling wine is wonderfully versatile. Its structure and richness from the Pinot Noir complement dishes such as roast guinea fowl, pan-seared scallops, or a mushroom risotto. Traditional English fare like smoked trout pâté or Sussex chicken terrine will harmonise with the wine's ripe orchard fruit and toasty nuances. It is equally at home with delicate tempura vegetables or soft cheeses such as Tunworth.

For optimal enjoyment, Chill the Nyetimber Cuvée Tillington 2010 to 8-10°C. Serve in a tulip-shaped glass to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and fine bubbles, and allow the wine a few moments in the glass to evolve and reveal its layers—a true testament to English sparkling finesse.