Primary Fermentation – The Base Wine Creation
In the Winery, located on our single-site Estate, a base wine is produced from our hand-picked, whole bunch pressed grapes. Each grape variety is fermented in our temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. The base wines are refined, clarified, and stabilised, using yeast that reacts with the naturally occurring grape sugars.
The Traditional Method – Crafting the Finest Sparkling Wines
All Rathfinny wines are made in the Traditional Method which starts by choosing the base wines that will be blended to create the portfolio of Rathfinny cuvées. We then bottle the chosen blend and add a small amount of yeast to enables a secondary fermentation in the bottle. A secondary fermentation creates the bubbles in the wine, as the CO2 is trapped inside the bottle.
The next stage is not for the impatient: the wines are allowed to rest in the bottle in our temperature-controlled Cellar for around 36 months. This allows time for the yeast to break down and imparting new flavours through a process called ‘autolysis’.
Following ageing, the yeast needs to be encouraged out of the wine so that it can be removed. This is done by “riddling”, which means slowly, day by day, rotating the bottles to stand ‘sur pointe’ (neck down); this moves the yeast into the neck of the bottle.
Disgorging and Dosage – The Final Touches
Disgorgement works by freezing the neck of the bottle, removing the crown cap, and allowing the pressure inside the bottle to force the frozen plug of yeast out. Sugar can then be added – this is known as the ‘dosage’. Think of it like seasoning, rounding off the wine before the cork is inserted, and the cage added on top.
Bottling and Ageing – Preparing for Market
Post-disgorgement, we allow a period of three months minimum before releasing the wines. This allows them time to rest and adjust to being under cork. The bottles are then washed, foiled, and dressed with labels. They’re now ready to be savoured.
Learn More About our Production Process with a Winery Tour
It’s a joy to not only show people how the finest Sussex sparkling wine is made here at Rathfinny, but also share our philosophy, demonstrate the importance of our environment and sustainability pledges, and provide insight into the state-of-the-art equipment we use. This is what we’re able to do as part of our Winery Tours, which conclude with a tasting of our Sussex Sparkling wines. It’s a fascinating experience for wine lovers; book as a treat for yourself, or a thoughtful gift for a friend.
