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Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Brut is an exceptional English sparkling wine that proves Hampshire can compete with Champagne on equal terms. The grapes are hand-picked from chalk vineyards in the South Downs – the very same Belemnite chalk found in Champagne’s Côtes des Blancs. The result is a refined, complex sparkling wine with fine, persistent bubbles and remarkable depth. A benchmark for premium English sparkling wine.
The grapes for Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvee Brut are hand-picked and undergo a double quality selection, first in the vineyard, then before pressing. The unique, gravity-fed, state-of-the-art winery allows for the grapes and juice to be treated as gently as possible and for the wines to be made with the minimal possible intervention.
Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvee Brut is also available in 37.5 cl half-bottles and 1.5 Litre magnums.
Hambledon Vineyard is England’s oldest commercial vineyard. It was founded in 1952 by Major General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, a trailblazer for English wine-making. The vineyard passed through a couple of owners until Ian Kellett acquired the vineyard in 1999.
Ian would eventually go on to study wine-making at Plumpton College and, in 2005, convinced that sparkling wine production was the way forward in the UK, a 10-acre ‘test bed’ of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier was planted on a combination of 27 different vine clones and rootstocks to see which gave the best results. Under Kellet’s leadership, the estate would become one of the very best English sparkling wine producers.
In 2023, the estate was acquired by a consortium consisting of the UK’s oldest wine and spirits merchants, Berry Bros & Rudd, and Symington Family Estates, owners of Cockburns, Dows, Grahams, Warres et al.
Winemaking at Hambledon Vineyard is led by Hervé Jestin, a legendary figure responsible for crafting over 200 million bottles of Champagne in his illustrious career. Jestin brings unmatched expertise and collaborates with Felix Gabillet, Hambledon’s full-time on-site winemaker, who oversees daily operations with precision and care.
The estate comprises some 200 acres of vineyards, spread over numerous sites, which are situated on chalky slopes around the village of Hambledon. This area is divided into three vineyards consisting of 30 individual plots with differing terroirs and microclimates.
The chalk of the South Downs is an extension of the chalky soils in Champagne. The Belemnite chalk on which the vines grow was formed on the seabed of the Paris basin some 65 million years ago and is found in the best Chardonnay areas of the Côtes des Blancs in Champagne. Indeed, Hambledon consider Chardonnay to be their best-performing grape variety.
As of spring 2025, Hambledon produces five Hampshire sparkling wines: a Classic Brut and Rosé, a Premiere Cuvée Brut and Rosé, and the latest edition, a Blanc de Blancs. All are available to buy online and in-store at Fareham Wine Cellar.
Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvee Brut has aromas of fresh sourdough, magnolia and lily scents which mingle with a hint of smoke over a core of greengage, red plums and dessert apples. The Palate is vivid, almost vibrantly crunchy with precise, structured yet ripe acidity. It is linear, dense and long with momentum and power that bodes well for the future. This wine has energy and latent tension that will unfold to reveal layers of floral and stone fruit aromas and a rich palate with great length.
What foods pair well with this English sparkling wine? Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut makes a perfect aperitif and pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, including oysters, scallops, sushi, and smoked salmon with asparagus. Its crisp acidity also complements soft cheeses and light canapés. Best served between 10 and 12°C.
Is Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvee Brut made using the traditional method? Yes, it is produced using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle), the same technique used in Champagne, with secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Is Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut a vintage sparkling wine? No, Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut is a non-vintage (NV) wine, blended from two vintages to ensure consistency and complexity. This traditional approach allows the winemaker to craft a house style that remains excellent year after year.
What temperature should I serve Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut? Serve chilled between 10-12°C (50-54°F). Remove the bottle from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving if it’s been stored at standard refrigerator temperature (around 4°C).
What sizes is Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut available in? The wine is available in three formats: standard 75cl bottles, 37.5cl half-bottles (perfect for two glasses), and 1.5 litre magnums (ideal for celebrations or ageing).
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