55—MARYLEBONE JOURNAL
FOOD
which clearly demonstrates its vinous heritage, but also makes perfect sense. I propose we get behind the Merret cause. Sloping towards the South Downs,
RidgeView’s soils are influenced by the natural limestone and chalk of the region. The winters are mild and the high, undulating hills to the south keep the micro-climate dry and positively warm in the summer. The vineyards grow the three classic grape varities that create the finest sparkling wine: Chardonnay for freshness, backbone and finesse, Pinot Noir for body and depth and Pinot Meunier for richness of fruit and an elegant floral quality. The state-of-the-art winery includes a purpose-built underground cellar where the wines can mature gently in perfect conditions, with great care, and end up as wonderful RidgeView Merret wines as a result. RidgeView was established during
the mid-1990s, began commercial sales in 2000 and immediately won numerous national and international awards. By 2003 its status was affirmed by its wines winning medals in Paris and listings in the French Hachette publication 1000 Vins du Monde. The ultimate recognition came in 2005 when RidgeView Merret “Bloomsbury” won the trophy for the best bottle fermented sparkling wine in the world at the International Wine and Spirits Competition. Mike and Tamara Roberts
showed us around the vineyards and winery and very eloquently answered our probing questions. Later on, we ventured back to the tasting room to sample the range. They have given the names of each cuvee something quintessentially English. At the estate they produce five wines: “Bloomsbury”, “Fitzrovia”, “Grosvenor”, “Knightsbridge” and, for you good people of Marylebone, “Cavendish”. I reckon little touches like that add extra special provenance to the wines and make the occasion more memorable.
2007 Bloomsbury (64% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Noir, 14% Pinot Meunier) – dominant fruit character with chardonnay element bringing some tropical notes. Will age beautifully for 3-4 years and would match English asparagus extremely well.
2007 Cavendish (25% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Noir, 41% Pinot Meunier) – deep golden colour with a lovely fine mousse. Pinot dominance brings depth and complexity. Fresh and floral, with plenty of red fruits and delicious length on finish. Should work well with smoked salmon.
2007 Fitzrovia (46% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, 22% Pinot Meunier) – delightful light salmon pink colour and a lovely rose wine. The Chardonnay in the blend brings finesse to match a fine mousse. The balance of the Pinots add structure to the palate. Perfect as an aperitif.
2006 Grosvenor (100% Chardonnay) Blanc de Blanc – light gold colour with a very fine texture. The nose displays freshness, delicacy and elegance with some toasty nuances. Fruity with a long, clean and persistent finish with deliciously mouth-watering acidity. This wine has real versatility as it has the freshness to act as the perfect aperitif, yet I reckon would be great with some cheeses. Recently, I tasted the 2000 vintage in magnum and it was superb.
2006 Knightsbridge (51% Pinot Noir, 49% Pinot Meunier) Blanc de Noirs – ripe black grapes provide a full round nose with a generous and well-balanced mouth feel. This wine would work well with fish.
Without doubt, the retailer
that carries the best selection of English wines is Waitrose. Its range includes RidgeView, Chapel Down, Hush Heath Estate “Balfour” Rose, Nytimber and Primrose Hill labels.
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