The word apéritif comes from the Latin aperire, meaning “to open”, and there’s nothing quite like the sound of a sparkling cork popping open to signal the start of something special. Whether it’s a Friday night wind-down, a family celebration, or a picnic on the beach, opening a bottle of vintage sparkling wine instantly elevates the moment. 

Rathfinny’s vintage Classic Cuvée is designed to be that first glass. As pure as the crisp white chalk on which its grapes are grown, this vintage Sussex Sparkling is fresh, dry and universally appealing. Made using the Traditional Method, its elegant bubbles and mouthwatering structure stimulate the senses and prepare the palate for food. 

Take a closer look at the reasons why we believe Rathfinny’s Classic Cuvée is the perfect aperitif to start an occasion.

Bottle of sparkling wine raised into the air
People enjoying a glass of sparkling wine on a balcony overlooking vines

Fresh & Dry: A Crowd-Pleasing Style 

Our terroir and winemaking philosophy define the popular style of our Classic Cuvée. Rathfinny is a single-site Vineyard planted on South Downs chalk, less than three miles from the sea.

The chalky soil retains just enough moisture for the vines and enhances the minerality in the wines to give a distinct elegance in our sparkling. Being close to the sea shapes our wines in many ways. However, for the Classic Cuvée it is the cooling sea breeze, that keeps the grapes clean and vibrant, which has the greatest effect. 

Our winemaking philosophy is about minimal intervention as we want the quality of our fruit to shine through in the glass. We add very little sugar – or dosage –to keep the wine tasting lean and fresh, with mouthwatering structure and great length of flavour. 

We also only make vintage sparkling wines. Approximately 90% of Champagne is non-vintage, with wine constructed in tank over multiple years to have richer autolytic flavours. On the other hand, vintage wines like our Classic Cuvée go from grape to bottle quickly, preserving the fruit-forward freshness and purity. 

These factors combine to create a kind of wine that pleases every guest, from casual drinker to wine connoisseurs.

Raising a glass of sparkling wine
Two ladies in the sunshine overlooking the vineyard

An Aperitif that Prepares the Palate for Food 

Apéritifs are traditionally light, dry drinks served before a meal to awaken the palate and stimulate the appetite. Often paired with small bites, they help set the tone: encouraging conversation, anticipation, and a shift in pace. A well-chosen apéritif engages the senses and signals that something special is about to begin. 

When it comes to choosing the perfect aperitif, few drinks fit the role quite as well as a sparkling wine. Crafted with a low-dosage style, the Classic Cuvée delivers a crisp, dry profile with elegant structure. Its freshness enlivens the palate and prepares it beautifully for food, while the fine bubbles, developed through extended bottle ageing using the Traditional Method, create a delicate mousse that stimulates the senses and enhances the experience. 

Friends on the beach with sparkling wine

A Versatile, Food-Friendly English Sparkling Wine

The Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier-led blend brings bright, fruit-forward flavours with subtle red fruit character, making it wonderfully versatile. From smoked salmon to goat’s cheese canapés, our vintage Classic Cuvée pairs effortlessly with a wide range of light bites. 

Abigail Thomas, Rathfinny Brand Ambassador, said: “Two standout dishes I have enjoyed recently that paired perfectly were vegetable crudités with miso-tofu dip at Niju, London or an incredible starter called ‘textures of Chaat’ at Shiuli, an Indian restaurant headed up by Chef Alfred Prasad, located in Twickenham.” 

Rathfinny poured at event Classic Cuvée - Start with Rathfinny
hannah visit Rathfinny - start with Rathfinny

An Effortlessly Stylish Addition to Celebratory Moments 

First impressions are important, and that is certainly true with the first wine you pour for guests or to mark an occasion. Whether you’re on the beach with fish and chips or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Rathfinny’s vintage Classic Cuvée will play the part. 

Few things rival the theatre and anticipation of opening a bottle of sparkling wine, especially when it’s vintage. Held in high regard by both connoisseurs and curious newcomers, vintage sparkling wines are the perfect choice for marking special occasions. 

Beyond taste, Classic Cuvée brings a visual sophistication to the table. From the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs on the label to the smart golden foil, it reflects the refinement of modern English winemaking and speaks to the place it is from. 

Make it a Magnum: Classic Cuvée by magnum 

A magnum of Classic Cuvée makes a striking centrepiece at any party. Twice the size of a standard bottle, it adds a touch of luxurious generosity to any occasion. 

The grander size also allows the wine to age more gracefully, developing finer bubbles and greater complexity. Ideal for weddings, birthdays and festive celebrations, it’s the same beautifully crafted vintage wine, just twice the size. What’s not to like?

Bottle shot of Classic Cuvée wine

2019 Classic Cuvée

Our house-style sparkling. Fresh and dry, with elegant bubbles and vintage excellence. The perfect aperitif.

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Classic-Cuvee-2018-Magnum

2018 Classic Cuvée Magnum

Indulge in a grand-sized magnum of cuvée from the vintage of the decade: 2018.

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