Gusbourne Estate Brut Reserve, Kent, England

The 2020 Gusbourne Estate Brut Reserve captures the essence of England’s flourishing sparkling wine tradition, combining heritage with precision craftsmanship. Grown on the estate’s vineyards in Kent and West Sussex, this cuvée embodies the character of its unique soils and maritime climate, delivering a wine of balance, elegance, and expressive fruit.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: Chardonnay (76%), Pinot Noir (14%), Pinot Meunier (10%)
• Color: Bright golden with fine, delicate mousse
• ABV: 12%
• Dosage: Brut, 8 g/L residual sugar
• Titratable Acidity: 8.2 g/L
• pH: 3.00
• Vineyards: South-facing ancient escarpment in Appledore, Kent (clay with sand and seashell subsoils); South Downs in West Sussex (chalk soils with flint loam)
• Harvest Period: Late September to early October 2020
• Harvest Method: Hand-picked
• Fermentation: 10 days under 20°C with specialist sparkling wine yeast in stainless steel; a small percentage fermented in old oak barrels for complexity
• Processing: Whole bunch pressed and naturally settled for 24 hours
• Bottling Date: June 2021
• Lees Ageing: Minimum of 25 months
• Pruning Method: Double guyot
• Founder:  Andrew Weeber
• Chief Winemaker: Charlie Holland 

Sensory Description:

Brilliantly golden in the glass, this sparkling wine shows an elegant and persistent mousse. Aromas of ripe stone fruits, honeyed citrus, and toasted almond rise gracefully from the glass, joined by subtle pastry tones. The palate is lively and expressive, brimming with ripe citrus and orchard fruit, pear, red apple, and hints of white peach and raspberry. Soft spice and nutty complexity weave through a custard tart richness, while the finish is long, mineral, and focused, highlighting both freshness and depth.

Awards & Accolades:

• Silver – International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2024 (2020 Vintage)
• Gold – International Wine Challenge, 2024 (2020 Vintage) — Fabulous aromas of key lime pie, beautiful lemon sherbet, and hints of elderflower with underlying brioche on a well-balanced, elegant finish
• Gold – TEXSOM International Wine Awards, 2024 (2020 Vintage)
• Silver – WineGB, 2024 (2020 Vintage)

Winemaker's Background:

Though Gusbourne Estate’s origins date back to 1410, its modern winemaking legacy began in 2004 when Andrew Weeber planted the first vines with the ambition of producing England’s finest sparkling wines. Today, Gusbourne farms 90 hectares across Appledore in Kent and the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, focusing on Burgundian clones of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Under the stewardship of Chief Vineyard Manager Jon Pollard and Chief Winemaker Charlie Holland, the estate emphasizes low-intervention viticulture and meticulous hand-harvesting. Crafted in the traditional method, Gusbourne wines have achieved international recognition since their debut in 2006. Every bottle carries the “Goosemark,” a crest symbolizing both heritage and commitment to quality.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 46–50 °F in a tulip-shaped sparkling glass to enhance its aromatics and delicate mousse. The 2020 Brut Reserve pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, pan-seared scallops, or a classic lobster roll. Its richness also complements dishes like Welsh rarebit or fine cheeses, making it a versatile choice for celebratory meals and elegant occasions.

The 2020 Gusbourne Estate Brut Reserve is a brilliant expression of English sparkling wine, combining fruit purity, depth, and finesse. Crafted with care from estate vineyards and aged patiently on lees, it offers both immediate pleasure and the potential to evolve gracefully with time.