Ridgeview tasting tour review

After months of lockdown it was with great pleasure to be able to invite some of our sponsors and Value-Added Partners (VAP) to the fantastic Ridgeview wine estate for a tour and tasting.

Last month’s cover feature saw Ridgeview celebrate 25 years in business as well as announce them as our latest VAP. As their slogan suggests ‘Life is for Celebrating’ so we did just that while being accompanied by our 11 guests.

We were extremely blessed with the weather as the sun was shining with the last remanence of summer. Prior to the tour I joined our fabulous Ask the Experts, Lisa Seymour and Emma Mills-Sheffield for a virtual business discussion on the Three @ Three (although we hosted at 1:30pm) in the Ridgeview tasting rooms.

We were then all shown to our seats outside (socially distanced of course) in the beautiful gardens surrounded by the vines.

Our host was the lovely Mardi Roberts, who after some introductions took us on a journey through the process of making this award winning English Sparkling wine.

We started touring the vineyard that was planted in 1995 – the perfect site for vines essential for sparkling wine production was found in the foothills of the South Downs and the Ridgeview vineyard was born. Situated near the picturesque village of Ditchling, they originally selected three clones of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier on three different rootstocks to allow them to explore which was best suited for the land.

The chalk and clay soils of the South Downs have proven to be a fantastic location for growing these classic varieties. The cool climate enables the grapes to retain high levels of natural acidity when they are fully ripe, which is crucial to producing full flavoured sparkling wines. Seeing the grapes just as they are coming into harvest was a real joy.

We then moved into the winery which is quite the operation. Mardi explained that Ridgeview continue to invest in the most modern, specialist machinery and proudly craft every element of their production methods on site, from hand picking all their grapes, gently pressing them to extract maximum flavour, bottling, riddling, disgorging and labelling. By combining a modern approach to sparkling winemaking whilst learning from past traditions, they seek to ensure that every stage of the winemaking and production process lives up to their meticulous quality standards.

Finally we returned to our seats for the best bit – the tasting. We had a flight of the signature wines; The Bloomsbury, The Cavendish and the Fitzrovia Rose. It was a truly perfect afternoon, sitting in the glorious sun tasting the finest English Sparkling wine our great county has to offer and with great company. What’s not to love?

As we launched County Business Clubs during lockdown this was our first event and it could not have been more perfect. I would urge any of our members or readers that are yet to visit Ridgeview to go. It is an absolute must! The vineyard and gardens are breathtaking, the tour is truly fascinating and the wine, well that speaks for itself. Needless to say there is a reason it is award winning.

I would like to thank all our VAP’s and members that attended and most importantly Mardi and the Ridgeview team for hosting us… I’ll back soon, very soon…

Wine tasting notes

THE BLOOMSBURY
Our signature blend Bloomsbury is light golden in colour with a fine, persistent mousse. Citrus fruit aromas with hints of melon and honey. Chardonnay dominance brings finesse, along with crisp freshness. The Pinots add depth and character leading to a beautifully balanced finish. Will age gracefully over time as the Chardonnay matures.

Link to video – https://youtu.be/cUkxz3r5nB8

THE CAVENDISH
Our traditional blend Cavendish is a rich golden colour with exceptionally fine bubbles. The nose is expressive with hints of red fruits. The Pinot dominance brings depth and complexity to the palate with a long-lasting finish, whilst the Chardonnay adds finesse and freshness.

Link to video – https://youtu.be/qw-hRhYpkfg

THE FITZROVIA ROSE
Our Fitzrovia Rosé is a delicate salmon colour with an abundance of fine bubbles. Chardonnay brings freshness and finesse, whilst the Pinots add the classic red fruits for which England is so acclaimed. A raspberry and redcurrant nose carries through to a fresh fruit-driven palate.

Link to video – https://youtu.be/r7zJ3lyAPY8

Creators of World Class Sparkling Wine, crafted with passion and dedication on the South Downs of England. Winners of Winemaker of the Year, International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018. Making history for English wine. www.ridgeview.co.uk