2010

Hart of Gold, English Sparkling Wine

£31.25 GBP

Release Price

2014-2020

Drink Window

ABV

pH

TA

8.8

RS

From The Winemaker

Hart of Gold is the English Sparkling Wine project of Master of Wine Justin Howard-Sneyd.

Working with Simon Roberts at Ridgeview in Sussex, and a grower near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, Justin makes about 1,500 bottles a year of a richly flavoured, long-lees-aged blend of classic Champagne varieties.

Justin’s wine is inspired by England’s rich history of viticulture especially in the Middle Ages. The name draws on folk legends of an elusive and mysterious white stag with golden horns – The Hart. This legend fascinated Richard II, who made the Hart his personal symbol, and who commissioned the famous Wilton Diptych in the National Gallery. To King Arthur, the Hart represented mankind’s quest for spiritual knowledge.

Growing Conditions

2010 was a stand-out vintage in England, and particularly good in Herefordshire, where the grapes for Hart of Gold were grown. The warm (but not hot) summer, and long ripening season allowed the grapes to reach full ripeness, while retaining refreshing acidity.

Nose

A combination of citrus and stone fruit with rich toasty notes.

Palate

Complex flavours of refreshing citrus, alongside distinctive toastiness are underpinned by balanced acidity and a long mouth-watering finish.

Appearance

A lovely pale gold in colour, with a persistent stream of fine bubbles.

Food Pairing

The perfect aperitif which is also delicious with lightly smoked fish, and all sorts of salads. Or salted nuts and olives.

Aging

Four years in the bottle in contact with the lees before disgorgement.

Ratings & Awards

91/100

wineanorak.com

Jamie Goode

Gold Medal

International Wine Challenge

Youthful, newly baked bread and brioche, red berry and red apple skin. Generous and fruity, yet elegant and fine.

Past Vintages

2014

Hart of Gold, English Sparkling Wine

View Vintage

2013

Hart of Gold, English Sparkling Wine

View Vintage