It was an epic wine tourism day in London that started with a look at the wine selection in Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly and then a quick chat with a lovely young woman at Justerini & Brooks on St. James Street. Soon we ended up at Berry Bros & Rudd.

England’s oldest wine and spirits importer since the 1600s, suppliers to the Royal family for centuries and with 2 acres of cellars beneath the store front, we purchased this bottle from the lovely men at Berry Bros & Rudd who were so kind and helpful with their knowledge, free samples of King’s Ginger and keen photo-taking abilities. I had wanted to buy a Nyetimber and since they aren’t exported to Canada, this would be my big chance.

Clear and bright, medium lemon and with bubbles noted, on the nose this wine is clean, and has medium intense aromas of brioche, yeast, citrus, ripe Macintosh and yellow apples, quince, minerals and is youthful.

On the palate it’s dry, has super high and biting acidity, a long lasting creamy mousse, medium minus alcohol, medium minus body and medium plus intense flavour characteristics of more ripe apple, apple pie and apple filled danish, lemon creme and pink grapefruit. The finish is a strong medium plus.

This is WSET ‘outstanding’ sparkling wine from Chiltington, far south of London near Brighton and toward the southern coast. Made in the traditional method by winemaker Cherie Spriggs (who interestingly has spent time in Vancouver and on Vancouver Island!), it’s a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.

We enjoyed this bottle immensely with a lunch of brown sourdough, brie, stilton, pâté, grapes and cherries at the U20 Women’s Rugby tournament in Long Eaton where Canada prevailed over South Africa 37-0.