Kingscote Sparkling Brut 2018 West Sussex, England 75cl

Kingscote Estate is a family-run, award-winning vineyard set in the countryside of West Sussex, part of the swathe of southern England now making serious sparkling wine on the greensand and clay soils of the region. Alongside its wines the estate is a working country destination, with fishing lakes and gardens, but the sparkling wines are the heart of what it does.

This Brut blends Bacchus, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier into a fresh, fruit-forward sparkling wine. The inclusion of Bacchus, England’s aromatic signature grape, lifts the aromatics beyond the usual Champagne trio. It is made in the tank, or Charmat, method, which keeps the accent on bright, primary fruit and lively citrus rather than the deep, bready complexity of bottle-aged fizz.

The 2018 came from one of England’s warmest and ripest recent growing seasons, a standout year across the country that gave sparkling bases with generous fruit and good natural balance.

Expect subtle aromas of citrus and orchard fruit, a clean, crisp palate of green apple and lemon, and a soft, refreshing sparkle in a dry, Brut style. Serve it well chilled, around six to eight degrees, as an aperitif, or with canapes, light bites and fresh shellfish. It is the kind of English fizz that works just as well on a summer afternoon as it does with a toast.

An approachable, well-priced introduction to English fizz, easy to enjoy on its own or to bring along to a celebration. A relaxed, everyday sparkler rather than a special-occasion statement, and a good way to see what a smaller Sussex estate can do with home-grown fruit.