Langham Culver Classic Cuvee Brut NV

Crawthorne, Dorchester, Dorset, U.K.

Jancis Robinson's Review, Dec 2022

Base Vintage: 2018
Reserve Wine: 11%
Blend: 55% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay

Tasting Note
Aromas are very pronounced and intense on this wine. An initial strong floral hit, not dissimilar to walking into a florist, is backed up very well by notes of fresh, buttery croissants and raspberry jam. On the palate, this wine is equally as complex and layered. Raspberry yoghurt and Pink Lady Apple dominate, but a subtle salinity and danish pastry bring the wine together well. A nicely integrated acidity elongates the finish here.

Background
All fruit for this wine was sourced from our single site in rural Dorset. The Crawthorne vineyard consists of 12 hectares planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and is located on a sheltered south facing slope at 80-100 metres above sea level. The soil consists of a shallow clay loam, containing flint, over deep Cretaceous chalk.

Vinification
The grapes for the base vintage were picked in October 2018 and gently pressed, whole bunch. Press fractions were carefully separated and left to naturally settle for 24 hours. Primary fermentation took place in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and used oak barrels, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. Following 7 months of levage, the final blend was bottled and left to age on lees for a minimum of 14 months. At disgorgement the wine received 2 g/L dosage and was aged for a minimum of 3 months under cork.

Aperitif

Dry

Light Bodied

Pale Golden

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meurnier

Dorset, UK

Langham Estate

N.V.

Contains Sulphites