Fifty One Degrees North

Based in Appledore, Kent, the original Gusbourne estate dates back to 1410. In 2004, Andrew Weeber took over the estate with a clear vision and a single goal: to create English Sparkling Wines that would stand up alongside the very finest offerings from across the globe. The estate owns 90 hectares of vine focused on the classic grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Only the best quality fruit is harvested, all hand-picked by skilled vineyard team. Gusbourne’s unique terroirs and mild microclimates add their own depth and complexity. Under Chief Vineyard Manager, Jon Pollard, careful stewardship, the combination of site, soil and precision in the vineyards means that only the best grapes are used in winemaking.

Fifty One Degrees North is an expression of place. This singular vintage wine comes from the high-quality fruit grown in Kent and Sussex vineyards at 51 degrees latitude. With meticulous vineyard work, Gusbourne wines - predominantly Burgundian clones - thrive in this marginal climate. Only the finest berries are selected for Fifty One Degrees North.

This complex, age-worthy fine wine comes from a standalone vintage – a year where the fruit was both intense and rich, but also incredibly structured with fine, balanced acidity. Fifty One Degrees North 2016 is incredibly rewarding now, and will also age beautifully for years to come.

This is the second vintage of Gusbourne’s ‘Fifty One Degrees North’, the new prestige cuvée from this highly regarded English wine producer. It is a blend of 67% Chardonnay and 33% Pinot Noir, aged for a minimum of 67 months on the lees. The 2016 vintage was a year of near-perfect growing conditions. By harvest time on 2nd October, the fruit was ripe and exceptionally well balanced. Expect a rich and full-bodied sparkling wine, combining notes of brioche, citrus fruit and green apples.