Nyetimber to release bottling, riddling and disgorgement dates

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 21 January, 2014

English sparkling winemaker Nyetimber is to release bottling, riddling and disgorgement dates on its bottles, in an effort to "boost transparency".

The harvest at Nyetimber The harvest at NyetimberNyetimber, which has vineyards in Hampshire and West Sussex, is planning to release key dates in making its sparkling wine.

The company, which has vineyards in West Sussex and Hampshire, claims that sharing these dates will "provide consumers with a precise chronology of each wine bottle, including time aged on the lees and post-disgorgement ageing".

Eric Heerema, owner and chief executive, said: "We have a responsibility for transparency and at Nyetimber, we pride ourselves on going over and beyond the standardised practices established by the world's most renowned sparkling wine producers."

Nyetimber, which has vineyards in Hampshire and West Sussex, is planning to release key dates in making its sparkling wine.

Its Classic Cuvee 2009 now has a new back label urging customers to visit the firm's website to discover the story of their wine. The site is geared towards both novices and wine experts and designed to be easy to navigate and informative.

Head winemaker Cherie Spriggs said: "We didn't feel that disgorgement date alone would give an accurate indication of the story and taste of the wine therefore we felt that sharing all three dates would enable consumers to better understand the process involved in creating a bottle of Nyetimber."

Nyetimber planted its first vines in 1988, and exclusively uses the three traditional Champagne varieties Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, to make its sparkling wines.

Over the past few years there has been some controversy over whether Champagne producers should list disgorgement dates on the bottle. While many critics are in favour of full disclosure, the houses mostly maintain that it would confuse customers. However, some brands including Bruno Paillard and Philipponnat, Ayala, Krug and Lanson all now disclose disgorgement dates. Last year Taittinger added a code to its back label that consumers can scan with their phone to find out the base vintage of the Champagne. Some believe this offers a better insight into the wine than the disgorgement date.

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