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Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Brut 75cl 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 craftsmanship behind Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Brut requires an uncompromising attention to detail. The grapes undergo a rigorous double quality selection, first by hand during harvest in the vineyard, and again immediately before pressing. Vinification takes place in Hambledon’s unique, gravity-fed, state-of-the-art winery. This architectural layout allows the fruit and juice to be moved purely by gravity, minimising mechanical intervention and treating the delicate must as gently as possible.
The final blend is a classic assemblage of 52% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, and 17% Pinot Meunier, artfully combining two distinct vintages. To add further richness, a small percentage of the reserve wines are barrel-fermented in small, aged French oak casks. Primary fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, where the wine settles for six months before blending and bottling. True to the traditional method, the wine undergoes its secondary fermentation in the bottle and is matured for a minimum of 35 months on its lees in cool cellars dug directly into the Hampshire chalk downs before disgorging.
(If you are hosting a larger gathering or looking for a smaller indulgence, Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Brut is also available from our cellars in 37.5cl 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 it in 1999.
Ian would eventually go on to study winemaking 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 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.
Most recently, the estate achieved a monumental milestone at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, where the Hambledon Classic Cuvée NV Magnum scooped up a prestigious Gold Medal, scoring a magnificent 95 points, solidifying its standing among the global sparkling elite.
Today, the estate encompasses roughly 200 acres of vineyards spread across 30 individual plots, each boasting distinct microclimates and terroirs clustered around the historic village of Hambledon. The rolling hillsides here sit directly on the South Downs chalk, a geological continuation of the Paris Basin that runs underneath the English Channel and resurfaces in Champagne.
This specific Belemnite chalk was formed on an ancient seabed some 65 million years ago and mirrors the exact soil profile found in the finest Chardonnay sectors of the Côtes des Blancs. Because of this unique terroir, Hambledon considers Chardonnay to be its star-performing grape variety, responsible for imparting the striking, steely minerality found in every glass.
As independent wine merchants trading since 1991, we have proudly championed the local wine revolution from the beginning. Hambledon’s award-winning portfolio includes the Classic Brut, Classic Rosé, Premiere Cuvée Brut, Premiere Cuvée Rosé, and their exquisite Blanc de Blancs.
Are you local to Hampshire? Visit our independent shop at 55 High Street, Fareham, to browse our extensive local sparkling wine shelves in person, or select free Click & Collect at checkout for seamless online ordering.
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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