Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage is living proof that English sparkling wine just keeps getting better and better. Produced from the classic champagne grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – from their own vineyards in West Sussex and Hampshire, this wine is Nyetimber’s signature sparkling wine. The blend is also a mix of wines from different vintages; most usually known as non-vintage, Nyetimber like to refer to it more correctly as “multi-vintage”.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage is aged for at least three years before being released and therefore acquires a lovely intensity and complexity of flavours and aromas. There is a waft of pastry on the nose with some spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is predominantly fruity – baked apples, fresh apples and citrus – with some honey and almond notes. Though intense and quite rounded in the mouth, the wine is refreshing due to the mouth-watering acidity for which we have England’s cool climate to thank.
Originally champagne was the benchmark for the English sparkling wine category – not surprising since English sparkling wine is produced by the champagne or traditional method and often from the classic champagne grapes. But English sparkling wine is now setting its own benchmarks and building a reputation for well-made wines that express the terroir just like this delicious example. For another excellent example, try Ridgeview Blanc de Noirs.
Drink on its own, with canapés, smoked salmon and other oil fish like mackerel, caviar, shellfish including lobster, fish, chicken, turkey, mushrooms, truffles, parmesan cheese, sheep’s cheese, mildly spiced South East Asian food, fruit based desserts. The producer suggests “smoked salmon, oysters, scallops, asparagus and sushi.”
“The pale-golden hue and fine bubbles make our flagship Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage the ideal occasion-ready drink – whether it’s toasting a big birthday or simply finishing a busy week. Following extensive ageing in our cellar (usually more than three years), our Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage has distinctive toasty and spicy aromas. A palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples gives it a hint of decadence. Intense yet delicate, elegant yet complex – it’s no wonder it’s consistently crowned one of the best English sparkling wines.”
17.5 / 20 points – JancisRobinson.com – Apr 2025
“Impressive English sparkling (particularly so in the magnum format) but certainly not a bargain. Very fine-textured mousse, citrus and toasty apple notes, an elegant traditional-method sparkler with finesse and purity of flavour.”
95 points & Gold Medal – International Wine Challenge 2019
“Very classic nose. Ripe apricots, marzipan, baked lemon. Savoury and refined on the palate with an elegant mousse and integrated acidity. Layered and long.”
94 points & Silver Medal – International Wine Challenge 2021
“A broad, supple palate with delicate peach and elderflower character. Lovely long finish.”
Sparkling Winemaker of the Year for Cherie Spriggs – International Wine Challenge 2018