Sparkling Wines Sussex Charles Palmer - Classic Cuvée - 2017

Charles Palmer’s Classic Cuvée 2017 is a sparkling wine from the celebrated Sussex region in Southern England. As a traditional method fizz, it is likely crafted from the classic Champagne varietals, though precise blending details can vary from one producer to another—generally, you might expect Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and possibly Pinot Meunier to play a role. The 2017 vintage offered favourable ripening conditions in Sussex, often resulting in wines with a fine balance of fruit precision and lively acidity. After gentle pressing, the base wine is usually matured on its lees in the bottle for several years, imparting a refined texture and subtle notes of pâtisserie to complement the fresh citrus and orchard fruit character.

Sussex has rapidly emerged as a benchmark for English sparkling wine thanks to its cool maritime climate and distinctive chalk and clay soils, which bear striking similarities to those of Champagne. The region benefits from long daylight hours and moderated temperatures, enabling slow but complete grape ripening and the development of nuanced flavours alongside naturally vibrant acidity. English sparkling wine has quickly gained international acclaim in recent years, with Sussex at the forefront, championed by high-quality, family-run estates such as Charles Palmer. The heritage of winemaking in this region continues to expand, building on centuries-old traditions with a distinctly English character and a striking sense of place.

Pair this Classic Cuvée with delicate starters such as smoked salmon blinis or crab cakes, which echo the wine’s freshness and fine mousse. It also makes an excellent companion to local English cheeses—Sussex Charmer for instance—or even classic fish and chips for an elevated but comforting combination. For a more formal meal, try pairing with dishes featuring shellfish or poultry in a light cream sauce, which will resonate with the wine’s subtle brioche and citrus notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to showcase its lively bubbles, purity of fruit and elegant complexity. This wine is delightful as an aperitif but can easily carry through to the main course thanks to its structure and balance.