2018 Gusbourne Estate Blanc de Blancs Kent-Sussex

English sparkling wine has long been the “next big thing” for European insiders—but with the 2018 Gusbourne Estate Blanc de Blancs, it’s finally fulfilling its promise.

The stunning sparkler earned a scorching 97 points from Decanter’s World Wine Awards, where it took home one of the coveted “Best in Show” honors—earned after judging against wines from all categories, including Champagne. The judges praised it for its elegant, fine mousse, calling it “a wine of remarkable assurance and accomplishment.”

Our own Master Sommelier called it a “benchmark wine” for the category: “They are showing the world what English terroir can do,” he said. It’s a tribute to the vision and perseverance of Gusbourne’s founder Andrew Weeber.

Weeber planted his original 15 acres of vines in Kent in 2004. Back then, English sparkling wine was considered promising, and rarely more than that. But he believed in the project, adding more vineyards in Kent and also planting in Sussex, which allowed him to farm grapes on both Champenois limestone as well as more clay-dominant terroir. The latter brings a touch more fruit to the wines, which is essential in England’s even-cooler-than-Champagne climate.

2018 was a warm vintage across Europe, which was perfect for Gusbourne’s estate vineyards. This Blanc de Blancs comes from a site in their original location, Appledore, in Kent, and also Goodwood vineyard in West Sussex. Both were harvested by hand, then pressed slowly and gently over the course of hours in a pneumatic press—just like the Champenois do it. After vinification, the wine was given a full 42 months on the lees en tirage to develop complexity. The result is spectacular.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Sweetness
• Acidity

• ABV 12.00%
• Enjoy right away
• Now – 2033
• % Chardonnay
• Serving temperature – 40°
• Cork