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Vintage Report
Tinwood Blanc de Blancs 2021 West Sussex, England
Tinwood Blanc de Blancs 2021 precisely demonstrates why sparkling wine from Sussex is rapidly gaining reputation. This English sparkling wine is made entirely from Chardonnay and comes from Tinwood Estate in Halnaker, near Chichester, at the foot of the South Downs. The 2021 vintage combines green apple, white tropical fruit, and a fresh, crisp opening with the sophistication you seek in a good Blanc de Blancs.
Vineyards and region
Tinwood Estate is located in West Sussex, in the south of England, a short distance from the coast and the South Downs.
• Location / Origin: The vineyard is in Halnaker, North Chichester, in West Sussex. This location on the edge of the South Downs gives Tinwood a distinctly cool English character with plenty of freshness.
• Climate & influences: The family farm is located about 3 miles from the sea. The combination of sea breeze, south-facing vines, and the shelter of the South Downs helps the grapes ripen slowly and evenly.
• Soil: The soil consists of loam, gravel, flint, and chalk. This combination provides drainage, tension, and the fresh, chalky precision that pairs well with sparkling Chardonnay.
• Vineyard & harvest: All grapes for Tinwood are grown on the family estate and harvested by hand. This aligns with the house's single vineyard approach, where the wine comes entirely from one's own vineyard.
Vinification and aging
This Blanc de Blancs is made as an English sparkling wine with a focus on freshness, fine mousse, and pure Chardonnay expression.
• Fermentation: Tinwood makes sparkling wines using the traditional method. What is the traditional method? It is the process where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, giving the wine its fine bubbles and extra complexity.
• Dry balance: With 7 g/l dosage, the wine remains crisp and refreshing, while the small amount of sugar rounds off sharp acids and supports the fruity length.
• Technical tension: The 2021 vintage has 7.7 g/l total acidity and a pH of 3.05. This explains the fresh, energetic opening and the clean, lively finish.
• Alcohol percentage: With 12% alcohol, this Blanc de Blancs remains elegant and digestible, perfectly suiting the light, fresh style of English sparkling.
Grape composition
Blanc de Blancs literally means white wine from white grapes, and at Tinwood, this cuvée is entirely about Chardonnay.
• 100% Chardonnay – West Sussex: Chardonnay gives this sparkling wine its green apple, citrusy tension, fine structure, and elegant, chalky freshness.
Tasting notes and serving tips
Delicate pale gold in the glass, with silvery reflections and aromas of green apple, citrus, and white tropical fruit. The taste opens crisp and refreshing, with a fine mousse, lively acidity, and a clean finish that lingers beautifully.
• Serving temperature: Serve Tinwood Blanc de Blancs 2021 at 7–9 °C, so that the fresh opening, fine bubbles, and citrusy tension remain crisp and elegant.
• Dishes: Serve as an aperitif, with oysters, scallops, smoked salmon, shellfish, light fish dishes, or fresh appetizers.
More information about Tinwood Estate
Tinwood Estate was founded in 2007 by the Tukker family and is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. The estate focuses entirely on English sparkling wine made from the classic grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. What makes Tinwood particularly recognizable is the combination of single vineyard fruit, traditional method, and a modern English style where freshness, precision, and drinking pleasure are central.
Product details
| Alcohol content | 12.0% |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0.75L |
| Region | South East England |
| Sub-region | West Sussex |
| Producer | Tinwood Estate |
| Varietal(s) | Chardonnay |
| Ideal serving temperature ? | 7° - 9°C |
| Storage at perfecte wijn | Air conditioned at 18°c |
Micro-terroir
- Soil
- The soil consists of loam, gravel, flint, and chalk, providing drainage, tension, and a fresh, chalky precision.