Nyetimber leads UK’s largest ever grape harvest

Commenting on harvest, Nyetimber head winemaker, Cherie Spriggs, said: “Given Nyetimber has been in existence for 35 years, we have the experience to make the most of the climate in which we grow our grapes. Having estate owned vineyards really plays to our advantage in extreme years like this as it allows us to realign what we do in the vineyard to offset any challenges. We expect a record volume of grapes to be picked from what is the largest area of vineyards ever harvested by Nyetimber and most importantly, the quality of the fruit looks fantastic which is very exciting.”

Nyetimber, the pre-eminent and pioneering English sparkling wine, will continue leading the way at what is expected to be the largest ever grape harvest in the UK. Nyetimber is harvesting a record area under vine of 325 hectares (803 acres) when harvest gets under way on 29th September.

Despite the extreme weather conditions during the summer with intense heat and lack of rainfall, Nyetimber expects another high quality year with a record volume of grapes to be harvested, in excess of 1,600 tonnes, which will produce well above one million bottles of sparkling wine. Nyetimber accounts for more than 10 per cent of the total English sparkling wine produced. Given the growing demand for its wines, Nyetimber aims to produce up to 2 million bottles per annum by 2026.

Harvest is a key moment in the winemaker’s calendar and is now a major event in the UK given the rapid growth in the industry. Sales of wine made in the UK have increased by nearly 70% over the past two years and the total hectarage under vine in the UK is 3,758, up 70% in the last five years. In 2021, 8.9 million bottles of wine were produced, of which 68% was sparkling, and 9.3 million bottles of wine was sold, up 31% on the previous year. (Wine GB)

Nyetimber has 11 vineyards spanning 350 hectares across West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent and this will be the 31st harvest at the estate. The fact all of Nyetimber’s vineyards are 100 per cent estate-owned combined with the skilled vineyard team being able to draw on the estate’s 30 years of experience, has meant the challenging weather conditions have been manageable and the quality of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes being harvest is predicted to be of high quality.

Nyetimber achieved record sales in 2021, up 57% on the previous year, and it exported 15% of its production – up from 10% in 2020. Last year Nyetimber increased its global presence with new distribution in Germany and China, building on the popularity of the brand in Scandinavia, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Nyetimber is served in some of England’s finest hotels, restaurants and clubs including The Ritz, The Savoy, Coworth Park, The Stafford, The Shangri-La, Chewton Glen, The Ned and Annabel’s.

About Nyetimber: For over 30 years, Nyetimber has had a single aim: crafting exceptional English sparkling wine that rivals the very best in the world. A true pioneer, Nyetimber was the first producer of English sparkling wine to exclusively grow the three celebrated grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Regarded as England’s finest sparkling wine, Nyetimber is made from one hundred percent estate-grown grapes. Nytimber’s owner, Eric Heerema, works together with Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Winemaker Brad Greatrix to produce wine of extraordinary elegance and quality. Cherie Spriggs was named ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge 2018 – one of the most highly-regarded wine competitions in the world. She was the first woman as well as the first person outside the Champagne region of France to win this prestigious award.

Nyetimber’s Wines

Without exception, the wines made at Nyetimber are wines of elegance. The signature Nyetimber characters of balanced fruit, gentle pastry notes, subtle creamy complexity, delicate mousse, and of course integrated acidity run through the whole range.

Classic Cuvee
Nyetimber’s signature Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage is a sumptuous blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and is a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. Its pale-golden hue and fine bubbles makes the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage the ideal occasion-ready drink to enjoy in the sunshine – perfect for a summer picnic. Following extensive ageing in Nyetimber’s cellar (usually more than three years), the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage has distinctive toasty aromas. A palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples gives it a hint of decadence. Intense yet delicate, elegant yet complex – it’s no wonder it has been consistently crowned one of the best English Sparkling Wines.

Blanc de Blancs 2014
Crafted from a single vintage and given extended time on lees, this pure expression of Chardonnay was the first style ever produced at Nyetimber and marked the start of their pioneering journey. Ethereal light gold hue and a fine, delicate mousse. Aromas of citrus and honeysuckle lead into subtle brioche and vanilla characters. The palate offers generous yet elegant notes of baked lemon and white peach with the warmth of the vintage shining through. Subtle mineral notes accentuate the fresh, crisp acidity, leading to a long and complex finish.

Nyetimber Rosé Multi-Vintage
A wine perfect for all seasons, usually crafted from their three celebrated grape varieties but at its heart is a celebration of the fresh red fruit character of Pinot Noir. A beautiful, sunset pink colour. Aromas include a charming mix of fresh red fruit, evocative of an English summer. The palate has a creamy, round texture with refreshing raspberry and sweet spice flavours. The signature Nyetimber notes of freshly-baked pastry lead into an elegant, silky finish. A core of vibrant red fruit lends itself well to weightier dishes but also makes for the perfect refreshing aperitif.

Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage
The first of its kind launched in England, Nyetimber’s demi-sec Cuvee Chérie masterfully balances sweetness and acidity, enabling it to pair with delicate desserts or fragrant, savoury dishes with light spice. Light golden hues and a slight silver undertone illuminate this delicately effervescent wine. Aromas of pure lemon, mineral, honey and a hint of tangerine fill the nose. The palate has a lively, sweet lemon start offset by a crisp acidity and a very clean, pure structure.

Tillington Single Vineyard 2014
A true expression of place, this rare and refined wine encapsulates the exceptional terroir of one of Nyetimber’s most celebrated vineyards. As the fine bubbles rise to the top of this pale gold wine, aromas of wild strawberries and raspberries emerge, reminiscent of British summer fruits. On the palate this delicate fruit is accompanied by complex flavours of toasted almonds, pastry and praline. The wine balances elegance and richness in perfect harmony, with a refreshing acidity and a textured, decadent finish.

1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010
The pinnacle of Nyetimber’s winemaking, with rich, alluring aromas and sublime texture, 1086 is made from the best parcels only in exceptional years. It seamlessly pairs with some of the most decadent and complex ingredients which highlight the wine’s exquisite character. 1086 wines are characterised by their balance; acidity, length and texture are all beautifully represented and combine seamlessly upon the palate. This 2010 vintage has an elegant pale golden colour and complex aromas including fresh grapefruit, nougat and a fine minerality. The palate is both delicate and yet generous with great intensity and a lovely touch of vanilla on the delightfully long finish.

1086 Prestige Cuvee Rosé 2010
A wine of extraordinary character and grace, 1086 Rosé is the finest expression of rosé crafted at Nyetimber. Produced only in the best years from their most expressive parcels. The current release is the 2010 vintage, which celebrates an extremely pure expression of Pinot Noir red fruit, alongside the characteristics of incense and pastry that has come as a result of many years ageing on the lees. 1086 wines are characterised by their balance; acidity, length and texture are all beautifully represented and combine seamlessly upon the palate. The 2010 Rosé is silky and elegant with a pure crystalline backbone, evoking floral, cassis and red fruit aromas. Wonderful progression, with great tension between fruit and structure and a persistent finish.