Coates & Seely, "Britagne" Brut Rose NV

Coates and Seely is the brainchild of Christian Seely and Nicholas Coates. The pair spent a year scouring Southern England for the ideal place to make excellent sparkling wine. In 2008 they found the 'Wooldings,' tucked away in a secluded valley near Whitchurch, on the chalk downlands of Hampshire. The vineyards now total 24 hectares, and are planted with the Champagne varieties Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. They refurbished the original buildings, importing first-class winery equipment for winemakers Corinne Seely and Ryan Carter. The Rosé is the first release; Blanc de Blancs will follow. Both carry the terms 'Méthode Britannique,' and 'Britagne' (pronounced Brit~an~ye) on the label, a testament to the quality and individuality of sparkling wines here that will at least rival their French neighbours!