The Ambriel English Reserve is a rare treasure: a single-vineyard, Traditional Method, English Sparkling Demi-Sec. This ambrosial fizz tingling with tiny lemon sherbet bubbles has perfect equipoise. Matthew Jukes writes ‘Ambriel’s English Reserve manages to tread a tanginess/sweetness tightrope walk with extraordinary daring and accuracy. I am convinced that the Pinot dominance is the reason for this stance. This bravery ends up with a wine that could indeed be drunk with racy puds, but which I believe is, in fact, the perfect retro aperitif. I love a touch of ripeness balanced by a wicked acidity before a feast, and there are so few wines in this world that get this right. Ambriel’s is my absolute favourite and I hope that others follow this inspirational lead.‘ 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.
