Celebrating English Sparkling Wine: A Prize-Winning Mayfield Rosé
Today, I received a bottle of Mayfield Expression Brut Rosé in the post—my prize for suggesting “Albion” as a name for English Sparkling Wine in a competition hosted by renowned wine educators Susie and Peter.
While the debate over a shorter moniker for English fizz continues, nothing has quite stuck. Personally, I have no issue with the term “English Sparkling Wine,” though I suspect specific geographical delineations will emerge as the industry matures. You can read my full reasoning for the name “Albion” via the link above.
The Mayfield Expression Brut Rosé is a premium English sparkling rosé produced by Hobdens Vineyard, nestled in the scenic Sussex High Weald. The vineyard is the passion project of owners Jonica and Gerard Fox.
After a successful career in media and public services, Jonica transitioned into the world of viticulture. Following her graduation from the prestigious Plumpton College with a degree in winemaking, she established her own vineyard with plantings surrounding the village of Mayfield in East Sussex.
The Mayfield Expression Rosé (2009 Vintage) is a sophisticated blend of four classic varieties:
This inaugural vintage showcases meticulous production techniques. The grapes were de-stemmed and lightly crushed before undergoing maceration in tanks for 38 hours. Following fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, the wine spent 24 months on the lees before disgorgement, followed by an additional eight months of resting before release.
With a dosage of 10g/l, this sparkling rosé offers a beautifully balanced profile that highlights the exceptional quality coming out of Sussex vineyards today.
Please check out Fareham Wine Cellar’s other English Sparkling Wines, including those from Exton Park, Candover Brook, Hambledon Vineyard, Goodworth, Raimes and The Grange.
