The Ambriel Classic is a blend of Pinot Noir (68%), Chardonnay (31%) and Pinot Meunier (1%). It is primarily based on the 2015 vintage, with reserves from 2014 and 2013. This single estate, Traditional Method Sparkling Wine has notes of ripe baked apple, citrus and manuka honey, with a richness from over six years of lees ageing. Ambriel Vineyard was founded in 2006 by Charles and Wendy Outhwaite. Coming from banking and law, their careers were unconventional training for winemaking. Nevertheless their attention to detail, curiosity, capacity for hard graft and dogged pursuit of excellence have served them well. As self-confessed control freaks they take charge of every aspect from grape to glass. Wendy grows the grapes, Charles ferments them. Blending – somewhat appropriately – is done together (and is done blind). All wines are made from estate grown grapes and matured at Ambriel. They are proudly certified carbon neutral.
