Libertine – Essex, Rosé Brut – NV

Description

PRODUCER:
Libertine is the carefully crafted project of two Masters of Wine: Liam Stevenson and John Atkinson, who wholeheartedly champion Essex for producing England’s stand-out sparkling fruit. The dry, sunshine-rich seasons and free-draining clay, gravel and sandy soils impart the wines with the exquisite balance they seek in their traditional method sparkling wines, producing wines with exceptional purity, natural freshness and structure. John’s Champagne experience sets a crisp, precise, dry house style, while Liam brings global cellar know-how and a measured, detail-led touch. The result is an English sparkling rosé built on expertise, not hype. The gastronomic flavour profile is achieved through whole bunch pressed fruit, fermented in stainless steel and old oak barriques. The result speaks for itself, and this delicious sparkling rosé offers a strong apéritif option and a smart by-theglass pour, while accompanying a wide range of culinary options.

VINEYARD:
The grapes are sourced and carefully selected from Hollands Farm and Clay Hill Vineyard in Essex. The soils are largely composed of clay, gravel and sand, in which the vines flourish as they offer excellent balance between water retention from the clay to sustain the vines through the warm, dry summers and good drainage from the gravelly and sandy elements. The vines are minimally pruned using the VSP training system, which allows for good sunlight exposure, enhanced air circulation, and reduces disease pressure. The vineyards are carefully managed and sustainably cultivated. The long, dry summers give Essex a head start with the fruit flavours always being a touch more exuberant than elsewhere, and the body of the wine is inherently fuller as a result.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were whole bunch pressed and fermented in a combination of stainless-steel vats and old oak barriques at medium cool temperatures, to retain the inherent freshness and purity of fruit. The wine underwent secondary fermentation in a bottle, as per the traditional method, followed by several months on its lees, imbuing the wine with subtle complexity while preserving the glorious red fruit.

TASTING NOTE:
Salmon-pink in colour, this delicious sparkling wine leans towards a drier rosé style with inviting aromas of fresh strawberry, redcurrant and pink citrus, complemented by a light peppery lift. The fine mousse leads to a dry and refreshing palate, with a subtle biscuity note from lees ageing and a clean, polished finish.

GRAPES:
Chardonnay 40%, Pinot Noir 60%.