Blackbook, GMF Sparkling, England 2017

The second vintage of a traditional-method, col fondo style sparkling wine, this was an accidental wine, says winemaker Sergio Verrillo. The Seyval Blanc Oxfordshire grapes were originally destined for a still wine but after six months ageing, he decided they were perfect for sparkling. Whole bunch pressed to a mix of stainless steel and old Burgundy barrels, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation before spending seven months on lees and being bottled undisgorged. Cloudy in the glass, it has a lovely chalky quality, firm, with dried lemon peel and elderflower notes, and mouthwatering acidity. Exciting stuff.