Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling, Hampshire

Description

Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling is a Hampshire Sparkling wine produced from grapes grown in the South Downs. Raimes Classic Brut Cuvee was first released in 2017, it was their second cuvee released after the Raimes Sparkling Blanc de Noirs. It has since been joined by a Rosé, Demi-Sec and Blanc de Blancs.

Raimes English Sparkling Wine, from a Family-Owned Farm

Raimes English Sparkling Wine is owned by the fifth generation of the Raimes family, Augusta and Robert. The family have been farmers in Hampshire for five generations with land on the historic Tichborne Estate where they grow wheat, barley and oilseed rape and also raise a herd of traditional pedigree Hereford cattle. Situated, as they are, on the chalky soils of the South Downs, I guess it was only a matter of time before they started growing grapes for sparkling wine production.

First Vine Plantings in 2010

Their first 10 acres of vineyards were planted in 2010 with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – the holy trinity of sparkling wine production. As well as this Classic Brut, they also produce a Blanc de Noirs, a Blanc de Blancs, Rosé and Demi-Sec. Their wines are always produced as a vintage.

Vineyards Located Close to Alresford

The Raimes vineyard is located near the village of Tichborne, close to Alresford, in the South Downs. The chalky soils of the South Downs are essentially the same lump of chalk which runs from the soils of Champagne, under the channel, to the white cliffs of Dover, through Kent and Sussex and into Hampshire. The chalk lends a particular minerality that helps to achieve a delicate balance of ripeness, acidity and berry aroma.

Perfect Terroir for English Sparkling Wine

The vineyards are all located on south-facing slopes. This aspect, combined with the soil, weather etc. (the “terroir”) produces wines with excellent minerality, balance, good acidity and complexity. It provides the perfect soil for vineyards for growing grapes for sparkling wines.

Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling Winemaking

• The grapes for the Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling are harvested by hand into small crates
• The grapes then make the short journey to Hattingley Winery at Lower Wield where they are vinified under the watchful eye of the talented wine-making team.
• Raimes Classic Brut English Sparkling is a classic Champenoise three-way blend of principally Chardonnay with some Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
• The wine is fermented in the traditional method.
• A portion of the blend is barrel fermented
• The wine is aged for around 30+ months on lees,.
• Raimes Classic Brut is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.