Everflyht Cuvee Edition 3

Everflyht Brut NV

Grape variety:
47% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay, 6% Pinot Meunier

Producer:
An exciting newcomer to the English wine scene, Everflyht was founded by husband-and-wife team Ben and Jen Ellis in 2016, when they planted the first 10 hectares of vines at the foot of Ditchling Beacon in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex.

The name is a nod to the six martlets of the Sussex crest, symbolising knowledge, adventure and learning. Said never to land, these mythical birds are “ever in flight” and make up the Everflyht feather, a symbol of the estate's focus on innovation as well as its motto: “never settle”. This is certainly evident in its ambitious and forward-thinking approach to winemaking and regenerative viticulture.

Vineyard:
The vines are planted on clay-loam soils at 65–74 metres above sea level. Cover crops are planted between the rows to encourage pollinator populations.

Grapes were selected from four blocks of the vineyard: House Pinot Meunier block, House Chardonnay block, House Pinot Noir block and Yaks Pinot Noir block. Harvest took place on 15 September and 10 October 2019.

Winery:
The Everflyht Brut NV is a blend of 47% Pinot Noir (Clones 7/2, 114 and 115), 47% Chardonnay (Clones 76 and 95), and 6% Pinot Meunier (Clone 464), selected from the House Pinot Meunier, House Chardonnay, House Pinot Noir and Yaks Pinot Noir blocks.

The red grapes were co-pressed and fermented together, and the Chardonnay was pressed two days later. The pressings were split between stainless-steel tanks, old Burgundy barrels (1st-fill) and two new French oak barrels. These barrels make up 14% of the total blend.

The final blend was assembled in August 2021, including 24% reserve wine. The wine was matured on the lees for 20 months prior to disgorgement, followed by a further six months on cork.

Tasting note:
A generous nose of baked apples and citrus is complemented by undertones of red cherries. Flavours of buttery lemon tart and pastry on the palate are balanced by a backbone of beautifully bright acidity that lends elegance and finesse to the wine.

Press anecdote:
“So good! This walks the holy-grail tightrope for sparkling wines: autolysis, acidity, fruit, sweetness. This has a fair-fare of smoke and apple blossom on the nose, toasted (to almost burnt) brioche and crispy breadcrumbs, pan-roasted chopped hazelnuts, grapefruit, nectarine.”

The reviewer compared the wine's character to Paloma Faith's explosive energy and quirky personality.

Score: 17 points — Jancis Robinson, July 2022.