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Sussex Sparkling | Local Wine Appellation From East Sussex, England | TasteAtlas

Sussex Sparkling

(Sussex sparkling wine, Sussex)

Sussex wine region is located in South East England. It is one of England's sunniest and driest areas, with chalk or greensands soils. The region has excellent terroir for wine production and is especially suitable for sparkling wines—the region's flagship style.


All sparkling Sussex wines are produced with a traditional (classic) method, also known as méthode Champenoise in which the second fermentation is done in the bottle. The wines are white or rosé and made from classic sparkling wine grape varieties (mainly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier) grown in East and West Sussex.


Additionally, Arbanne, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Pinot Noir Précoce can also be used. The wines are aged in the bottle for a minimum of 15 months. Chardonnay-based wines are pale yellow or golden, crisp, and bright, with citrus and green apple notes.  Read more

Pinot-based examples are deep golden and fruity, while the rosés range from light to salmon pink. The final profile of Sussex sparkling will depend on the age and the blend. The longer the wines are aged on lees (on yeast), they will develop more body, character, and stronger toasty and brioche-like notes.


Sussex sparkling wines are best served with seafood or pastries.