Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve NV

Hattingley Valley Wines was founded in 2008 by Simon Robinson as a farm diversification project on his estate in Lower Wield, near Alresford in rural Hampshire. A purpose-built, 600-tonne eco-friendly winery was completed in 2010, giving the team full control over production from the outset. The estate sits on chalk soils with clay topsoil under a cool climate closely comparable to that of Champagne, making it well suited to producing high-quality Traditional Method sparkling wine.

• Founded in 2008 by Simon Robinson as a farm diversification project
• Located in Lower Wield, near Alresford, Hampshire
• 600-tonne eco-friendly winery completed in 2010
• Chalk and clay soils in a cool climate mirroring Champagne

Classic Reserve is built around a Chardonnay-dominant blend, with Chardonnay contributing 45 to 53% of the final wine. Pinot Noir accounts for 31 to 35%, Pinot Meunier for 16 to 20%, and Pinot Gris for a further 2%. This assemblage mirrors the classic Champagne grape mix with the addition of Pinot Gris, reflecting the flexibility afforded to English sparkling wine producers. Reserve wines are incorporated into each blend to maintain consistency across non-vintage releases.

• Chardonnay forms 45-53% of the blend, providing freshness and structure
• Pinot Noir (31-35%) and Pinot Meunier (16-20%) add body and red fruit character
• Pinot Gris (2%) contributes a distinctive English dimension to the blend
• Reserve wines are used to ensure house style consistency across releases

Classic Reserve is made using the Traditional Method, the same process used in Champagne. The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle, followed by a minimum of four years of lees ageing, which develops the characteristic biscuit, brioche, and nougat complexity found in the finished wine. Fifteen percent of the blend is fermented in old oak barrels, adding a subtle textural richness without overwhelming the wine's primary fruit. The result is a brut-style sparkling wine with 12% ABV.

• Traditional Method with secondary fermentation in bottle
• Minimum 4 years on the lees, well above typical minimum requirements
• 15% barrel fermented in old oak for added texture and complexity
• Bottled as a Brut style at 12% ABV

Classic Reserve is Hattingley Valley's flagship wine and the most decorated wine in their portfolio, having accumulated over 55 awards and 2 trophies on its own. Across all wines in the range, Hattingley Valley has won more than 200 medals and 16 trophies in international competition. A landmark distinction came when Classic Reserve became the first English sparkling wine selected for service in first class on British Airways, cementing its status as a benchmark for English fizz.

• Classic Reserve has won 55+ awards and 2 trophies
• Hattingley Valley as a producer has earned 200+ medals and 16 trophies internationally
• First English sparkling wine served in British Airways first class
• Flagship wine of the Hattingley Valley portfolio