Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
75cl * Test Valley, Hampshire, England * 12%ABV
Jacob Leadley, former winemaker at Hattingley, has built Black Chalk into one of England's most respected wine producers. This small batch sparkling rosé comes from his vineyards in the chalky soils of Hampshire, and is made using the traditional method. Fruity, toasty and slightly herbal, the oak aging and time spent on the lees lend depth and complexity to this lovely pink fizz. The perfect wine for Sashimi, with soy sauce and plenty of ginger.
'Pale pink but there is nothing pale about the nose! It smells of remarkably intense, of guava and membrillo. And it tastes just as gorgeously ripe and intense, silky succulent with flavour. Jacob Leadley and Zoë Driver have slam-dunked it yet again with another glorious, head-tossing, racy yet rich and iridescently colourful wine. It’s a wine that manages to be unapologetically bold while retaining innate elegance. As with previous vintages, the dosage is pitch perfect. I was so impressed at how well this went with a Korean pork belly kimchi jjigae – a dish ferociously loaded with all the kinds fiery and intense ingredients that wine tends to be terrible with: anchovies, gochugaru chilli spice, gochujang chilli paste, green onions, kimchi... Wild Rose simply leaned in, laughed, and danced. It is also one of my favourite pink sparkling wines for roast beef, and lean venison fillet. You can play hard and fast and daring with food pairings here.' 17.5pts, Tamlyn Currin for JancisRobinson.com