Hambledon Première Cuvée

This iconic cuvée is produced exclusively from Hambledon’s own estate on the Southeast facing chalk slopes of Windmill Down, in the historic village of Hambledon. Aged at least 62 months on the lees, tasting will reveal sweet notes of ripe yellow and white summer fruits, followed by buttery pastry aromas, delivering a creamy yet elegant texture.

Hambledon’s subsoil isn’t made of just any old chalk, it was formed on the seabed of the Paris basin some 65 million years ago, meaning that Hambledon Vineyard’s terroir contains the same Belemnite content as some of the best Chardonnay areas of the Côtes des Blancs in Champagne.

In 2002, empowered by years of geological research, Ian Kellett decided to plant the vineyard with grapes that would allow them to craft some of the world’s finest sparkling wines. Today, Hambledon comprises over 200 acres of vineyard, planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier and all grapes come from Hambledon vineyard.

Making wine is a labour of love and the vineyard team works hard all year round, in all weathers. Vines must be pruned by hand and the grapes are handpicked. Top-of-the-range Coquard PAI presses and the fully gravity-fed winery (the only one in the UK) are located on site, minimising the time between picking and pressing.