Ridgeview Bloomsbury NV

Ridgeview Wine Estate was founded in 1995 by Mike and Christine Roberts in Ditchling, East Sussex, at the base of the South Downs. The estate was among the early pioneers of English sparkling wine production and has grown to source fruit across 80-90 hectares of vineyard sites throughout Southern England. Estate vineyards range from 8-22 years in age and are oriented with south and southeast-facing exposures to maximise ripening in the cool maritime climate.

• Founded in 1995 by Mike and Christine Roberts
• Located in Ditchling, East Sussex, at the base of the South Downs
• Vineyards sit at 5-65m ASL with south and southeast exposures
• Sources grapes across 80-90 hectares in Southern England

The South Downs of East Sussex provide the foundation for Ridgeview's vineyards. Soils are a mix of clay and limestone alongside flint and loam, closely mirroring the chalk-based geology associated with the Champagne region of northern France. The cool maritime climate keeps yields in check and preserves the high natural acidity that gives English sparkling wine its structural backbone and ageing potential.

• Soils: clay and limestone, flint and loam
• Cool maritime climate drives high natural acidity
• Elevation range of 5-65m ASL across vineyard sites
• South Downs location mirrors Champagne's northerly, chalk-influenced terroir

Bloomsbury is the signature blend of Ridgeview Wine Estate, built around a Chardonnay-dominant core that typically makes up 48-61% of the blend, supported by Pinot Noir at 27-31% and Pinot Meunier at 12-21%. The wine is produced using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in bottle and a minimum of 12-18 months ageing on lees before disgorgement. Dosage is set at 9 g/l, placing the wine firmly in the Brut category. Alcohol sits at 12.5%.

• Chardonnay: 48-61%, Pinot Noir: 27-31%, Pinot Meunier: 12-21%
• Traditional method; secondary fermentation in bottle
• 12-18 months lees ageing before disgorgement
• 9 g/l dosage; 12.5% ABV

Ridgeview's international profile was established decisively in 2010 when Bloomsbury won the Decanter World Wine Awards title of Worldwide Best Sparkling Wine, making Ridgeview the first and only non-Champagne producer to receive that award at the time. The wine was served at Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, cementing its status as England's prestige sparkling wine. Ridgeview followed with the IWSC 'International Winemaker of the Year' award in 2018.

• 2010 Decanter WWA: Worldwide Best Sparkling Wine, first non-Champagne winner
• Served at Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012
• 2018 IWSC International Winemaker of the Year
• Recognised as a benchmark for English sparkling wine quality

Bloomsbury pours a light golden colour with a fine, persistent mousse. On the nose, citrus and melon sit alongside notes of honey and brioche. The palate is defined by lively acidity, with flavours of citrus, stone fruit, and brioche carrying through to a clean finish. The extended lees ageing contributes the toasty, bready character that distinguishes traditional method sparkling wines from tank-fermented alternatives.

• Light golden colour with fine, persistent mousse
• Aromas of citrus, melon, honey, and brioche
• Lively acidity with citrus, stone fruit, and brioche on the palate
• Extended lees contact adds toasty complexity