The Sussex PDO: A Commitment to Exceptional English Sparkling Wines

When you see names like Stilton Blue Cheese, Cornish Clotted Cream, or Anglesey Sea Salt in a shop, you know they represent exceptional quality rooted in their origins. These British products all carry the prestigious PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status—a mark of authenticity and excellence.

In July 2022, in an initiative spearheaded by Rathfinny, a new Sussex PDO meant that ‘Sussex Sparkling’ joined this exclusive list. With no compromises, each bottle bearing the Sussex Sparkling name must be crafted using the county’s finest grapes through traditional winemaking methods, with the final product being ratified by an independent tasting panel to ensure the highest standards of quality are met.

The Sussex PDO is about more than provenance; it’s a commitment to preserving exceptional quality, now and for generations to come. This blog explores why the Sussex PDO matters, focusing on sparkling wine and the exacting standards producers like Rathfinny uphold to carry this special designation.

What is the Sussex PDO?

The Sussex PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is a certification that guarantees the quality and authenticity of sparkling wines made in East and West Sussex named Sussex Sparkling.

To qualify, Sussex Sparkling wines must be crafted exclusively from grapes grown in Sussex and harvested at a minimum level of ripeness. The wines from these grapes are then produced using the traditional method, known for creating wines of exceptional complexity and finesse. For full details on the requirements, see the government’s Sussex PDO certification requirements.

The Sussex PDO ensures all Sussex Sparkling wines meet stringent quality standards, giving consumers confidence and protecting producers by safeguarding the name’s integrity. Because of this, sommeliers and wine buyers from Bergen to Tokyo are beginning to recognise Sussex as a destination for exceptional sparkling wines, worthy of a place on the finest wine lists.

Why is the Sussex PDO Important?

Sussex Sparkling wines are made from grapes grown in Sussex but just like with other products that have protected status, the PDO is about more than geography—it’s about how the wine is made.

Sparkling wine can be produced in various ways, from the quick and efficient Charmat method used for Prosecco to the rustic ancestral techniques behind lightly sparkling Pét-Nat wines. These wines can appeal to different tastes, but it’s the methodical traditional method —used in Champagne, and now Sussex Sparkling—that elevates sparkling wine to the pinnacle of its potential.

The Sussex PDO is future-proofing the quality of Sussex Sparkling by inhibiting others from making wines of lower quality, calling them Sussex and undermining the hard work of makers and misleading consumers.

What Does the Sussex PDO Mean for the Quality of Sparkling Wine from Sussex?

The Sussex PDO ensures sparkling wine quality by enforcing strict production standards while preserving the region’s unique identity.

Champagne’s renowned terroir, featuring chalk, gault clay, and sandstone, extends into neighbouring Picardy, yet it is the Champagne PDO that ensures its wines’ exceptional quality and distinction. Similarly, Sussex shares geological features with bordering counties, and it is the Sussex PDO, emphasising craftsmanship and premium quality, that sets its wines apart from regular English Sparkling Wine.

Grape Varieties and Vineyard Practices

The Sussex PDO sets rigorous standards for sparkling wine production, starting with the choice of grape varieties. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier form the core of Sussex Sparkling, while others including Arbanne, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc may be used in minority blends.

Hand-harvesting is mandatory, ensuring only the highest quality grapes are selected. Harvest yields are capped at 12-tonnes per hectare under normal conditions, safeguarding quality over quantity.

Harvested grapes must also be able to reach a minimum natural alcohol level of 8% to qualify. Fruit slightly below this threshold (7.5%–8%) can be included in reserve wines, provided blending meets the overall alcohol requirements.

Winemaking Techniques: The Traditional Method

All wines are crafted using the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create fine, persistent bubbles. A minimum ageing period of 15 months on lees enhances complexity, depth, and texture, giving autolytic notes of fresh toast, baked brioche and honey aromas on the nose and palate.

For vintage wines, at least 85% of the grapes must come from the stated year. Single variety wines must contain at least 90% of the named grape, such as Blanc de Blancs (90% Chardonnay) or Blanc de Noirs (90% Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier).

Quality Control

Sussex PDO wines undergo strict quality control, ensuring exceptional standards. Each wine is tested through panel tastings and laboratory analysis to assess aroma, flavour and consistency. Only those that meet these criteria can bear the Sussex PDO label.

Two sample bottles of this wine will be kept for comparison to the finished wine as the need arises, while the winemaker must have records of laboratory analysis from each day’s bottling.

These meticulous and strict standards ensure that every bottle of Sussex Sparkling reflects the region’s commitment to quality and traditional craftsmanship.

The Region: Why Sussex is Ideal for Sparkling Wine

English wine has enjoyed a meteoric rise since the 1990s, with pioneers recognising the potential of the South-East for producing world-class sparkling. Sussex emerged as a standout region thanks to diverse, grape-friendly soils and as one of the driest and warmest areas in England — perfect for growing the noble sparkling varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

The Soil: predominantly greensand and chalk terroir, perfect for sparkling

The famous wine region of Burgundy is famed for having 18 different soil types. Sussex also enjoys a diverse terroir, with most Sussex vineyards based on either the chalk of the South Downs or greensand to the north.

Rich in minerals such as potassium, iron, and magnesium, greensand promotes healthy vine growth and enhance grape flavour development. Its excellent drainage and moisture retention further contribute to the production of high-quality and fruit-forward sparkling wines.

In the southern part of Sussex, chalk takes centre stage. It is known for its superb drainage and ability to retain just enough moisture while enhancing the minerality and acidity in grapes, both essential for crafting premium sparkling wines. Rathfinny Estate sits on a pure chalk site in the South Downs, giving our wines a distinct elegance and complexity.

Climate: Semi-Continental Coastal Climate

The region’s semi-continental climate features long sunny days, coupled with significant diurnal temperature variation—warm days and cooler nights. This fluctuation helps grapes develop complex flavours while retaining the natural acidity essential for crafting premium sparkling wines.

The proximity to the sea also plays a vital role in moderating temperatures, reducing the risk of frost, and ensuring a steady growing season. At Rathfinny, we are just three miles from the English Channel, and enjoy strong maritime influences, contributing to the consistent quality of our sparkling wines.

Growing Conditions: Ideal for key sparkling grape varieties

A Sussex Sparkling wine must principally be made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The county provides the perfect environment for growing these key varieties, with our cool climate and long growing seasons allowing grapes to ripen gradually, developing complex flavours while preserving their natural acidity.

This balance of ripeness and freshness is essential for crafting world-class sparkling wines. Chardonnay brings elegance and structure, Pinot Noir adds richness and depth, while Pinot Meunier contributes fruitiness and softness. Together, these varieties thrive in Sussex’s unique terroir. For more information, see the government’s Sussex PDO certification requirements.

Conclusion

By choosing Sussex Sparkling wines, you play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing success and growth of this world-class wine region right her in the UK.

The Sussex PDO is not without its detractors, something it shares with many other wine regions around the world; there has been debate over Bordeaux’s first growth 1855 classifications for over 170 years for example.

However, we believe the PDO helps safeguard the future of Sussex’s sparkling wine, promotes exceptional standards of quality and ensures that the wines produced in Sussex can shine on the global stage. Rathfinny is proud to be part of this exciting journey, building the legacy of Sussex Sparkling wines.

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