White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs (2019) - Simpson
Produced by one of the leading sparkling wine producers in England. The name 'White Cliffs' takes its inspiration from the iconic white cliffs of Dover.
White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs (2019) - Simpson
Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
Area: England, Kent, Canterbury
Appellation: English Sparkling Wine
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2019
Winery: Simpson
Alcohol: 12.5%
The appellation: English Sparkling Wine
English Sparkling Wine is one of the most fascinating expressions of British viticulture, emerging as a high-quality sparkling wine that has won recognition at international level. This designation was officially recognised in 2010, but the tradition of sparkling wine production in England goes back centuries, with renewed interest in recent decades thanks to favourable climatic conditions and modern winemaking techniques.
Find out more about English Sparkling WineWhat to eat with White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs
Who makes it: Simpson
Founded in 2000, Simpson is an innovative winery in the heart of the county of Kent, in England. Covering more than 50 hectares, the winery stands out for its dedication to making high-quality wines, using modern techniques and sustainable practices. Simpson ’s philosophy is based on the harmony between tradition and innovation, with a strong focus on championing local grape varieties. The wines reflect the diversity of the English terroir, marked by a unique climate and mineral-rich soils. Every bottle tells a story of passion and commitment, making every sip a unique experience.
Find out more about SimpsonThe vine of White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.
Find out moreWhite Cliffs Blanc de Blancs: the Canterbury area
Canterbury
England is an emerging wine region, with a history that has been developing rapidly in recent decades. Although it is not traditionally known for wine production, the country has seen a significant increase in the quality and variety of its wines, thanks to an increasingly favourable climate and to modern viticultural techniques. Today, England is recognised for its high-quality sparkling wines, which compete with the best in the world.
Find out more about CanterburyClimate: Oceanic
Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Coast
Profile of White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs
Primary aromas: Citrus, Green apple
Secondary aromas: Yeast, minerals
Tertiary aromas: Biscuit, Butter, Dried fruit
Tasting notes: An elegant sparkling wine with notes of citrus and green apple, accompanied by a pleasant minerality.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Lively |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Brut |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Pale straw yellow |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs
Metodo Classico
The Metodo Classico is a refined sparkling winemaking technique used to produce high-quality sparkling wines. This method, also known as méthode champenoise (when speaking of Champagne), involves a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its characteristic fine, persistent bubbles, together with complex aromas and an elegant structure.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs
In bottle (7–18 months)
Ageing in bottle for a period of between 7 and 18 months represents an intermediate stage of maturation, ideal for those wines that have already completed their ageing in wood, stainless steel or concrete, and that need further time to achieve full harmony and stability before being released. During this period, the wine develops slowly in the absence of oxygen, refining its structure, aromatic balance and softness on the palate.
Find out moreTime on the lees for White Cliffs Blanc de Blancs
- Medium (7–18 months)