Ancre Hill Estates, Blanc de Noirs, Wales, United Kingdom NV

A window into the potential of Welsh wine in the form of a traditional method sparkling made from 100% Pinot Noir grown biodynamically in Monmouthshire, in southwest Wales. Toasted cashews and red apple aromas, with a brioche and honey-infused palate. You get a sense of apple pie, toast and something like tahini on the finish, I like it. A dry, serious wine that can stand up to all of the top English sparklings.

A blend of the 2015, 2016, and 2017 vintages, this Welsh Blanc de Noirs was fermented using organic yeast, with 50% in steel and 50% in concrete egg, followed by four years on lees. Creamy white fruits and buttered red apple prevail on the nose. Savoury with a touch of caramel, showcasing intense buttered yellow fruits and red apple peel, unravelling depth of mango and peach, finishing with candied orange slices and crushed almonds.