Nyetimber has launched England’s first ever demi-sec. “A sparkling wine producer needs to have one in its portfolio,” says Cherie Spriggs, winemaker at the award-winning Sussex winery.
Nyetimber has launched England’s first ever demi-sec. “A sparkling wine producer needs to have one in its portfolio,” says Cherie Spriggs, winemaker at the award-winning Sussex winery. Demi-secs match desserts particularly well, and Spriggs recommends pairing the new wine with anything from classic pastries to rice pudding or panettone.
2012 saw the worst European wine harvest in half a century, with yields down 20% across France and by up to 7% in Italy. Earlier this month, Nyetimber announced that following drought, late frosts and hailstorms, it would not be harvesting the current crop at all. “I have never seen a situation like this,” said Spriggs.
The new demi-sec is richer and more unctuous than Nyetimber’s brut; Spriggs detects notes of lemon curd and acacia honey, with a delicate, mineral finish. After a depressing year for Europe’s winemakers, it is hoped the new bottle will go some way to rejuvenate this small British industry.
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