County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month March 2025

Cuvée Minnie Charlotte Seyval Blanc 2019 Brut.

So, we have seen a hint of spring over the last few days, bringing light relief from a very long and cold winter. One additional point of joy was the launch of two new Cuvees from the godfather of English Wine, the indomitable Peter Hall, who has been making wines in Sussex for over 50 years. For the last 15 years, the Royal Household has also bought his sparkling wines to serve to international guests such as presidents, kings, queens, and dignitaries visiting to the UK.  My family always has a bottle of Breaky Bottom at each Christmas dinner – it’s tradition.

There is certainly a majesty in tasting Peter’s wines; they look amazing, with a very clean and characteristic design with a line of gold foil keeping the wire basket in place, holding back a pour of finest Sussex fizz. 

Peter’s perfectly formed vineyard is everything that you would expect nestled in a dip on the South Downs, near the village of Rodmell near Lewes.

Peter started off making still wines but now only makes traditional brut, with Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier/Chardonnay which has red/green apple and citrus notes together with brioche and toastiness from several years cellar ageing. The Seyval Blanc tends to have more of a lemony zing to the above. It is also worth trying the other release for 2019 which is Cuvée Manja Scott and made from the champagne grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Winemaker’s tasting notes

• Taste – Showing aromas of ripe citrus, this cuvée is clean and bright on the palate with a fine tension and long finish.Varietals: 100% Seyval Blanc, ABV: 12%, 6,988 bottles produced

Michael’s tasting notes

• Nose – Pear and hint of orange on the nose.

• Palate – Layers of fruit come through together with a complexity and richness that you rarely get with an English sparkling wine. Citrus and

mouth-watering acidity follow. Wow! What a wonderful wine!

Food pairing for this cuvee

This wine is great for any occasion or celebration. It is perfect on its own but also works well with pan-fried scallops or grilled prawns.

Where to buy?

This wine is widely available from various Sussex wine sellers, such as Middle Farm, Harvey’s Brewery shop and Butlers Wine Cellar, or via the website  https://www.breakybottom.co.uk/winery-notes-1/2025/2/7/peters-note-january-2025

Written for County Business Club by Michael Yeoman, English wine specialist and producer of Spirit of the Downs, award-winning local artisan Sussex brandies, grape vodka and Boosy Barista Coffee Liqueur.