When it comes to Rathfinny’s sparkling wines, no one knows them better than the team who crafts them. With a commitment to quality that spans decades and palates developed over years of tasting and scrutinising, you can be sure that they make a discerning selection when choosing their festive sparkling.

Whether savouring a bottle with games by the fire or pairing with Boxing Day leftovers, we turned to the true experts—our winemakers and Cellar Door Manager—to share which bottles of Sussex Sparkling they’ll be pouring with friends and family this Christmas.

Blanc de Blancs Magnum

MIGUEL SYMINGTON, WINEMAKER

“Possibly my favourite Rathfinny wine to date, this Christmas I will be enjoying the 2017 Blanc de Blanc Magnum. Not only does it look cool when you take it to a Christmas party, but it tastes very different from its smaller sister (development of the wine is far slower in magnums than in the normal 75cl bottles).

“Magnums can become more complex than the same wine in a standard size format and they have an extended ageing potential. The 2017 has a white gold hue, creamy lemon and ripe tropical notes, leading to lemon and lime flavours, white apricot, hints of honey-suckle and a fresh salinity giving way to a lemon zest finish. Completely delicious.”

Shop 2017 Blanc de Blancs Magnum
Sparkling Rosé

TONY MILANOWSKI, WINERY MANAGER

“Nothing is more festive than opening a 2019 Rathfinny Sparkling Rosé while the family unwraps Christmas presents. The pink colour looks great in the glass and the red-fruit flavours and crisp finish make it a perfect mid-morning toast. It also soothes disappointment when all those hints about what gifts you want don’t eventuate.

“Sparkling Rosé is an ideal match for festive fare. Just as cranberry sauce complements roast turkey, the candied strawberry and raspberry notes in this sparkling will go down well with your traditional Christmas lunch.”

Shop 2019 Sparkling Rosé
Blanc de Noirs Magnum

CORRINE WHITEHOUSE, CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MANAGER

“I would have to go for the 2018 Blanc de Noirs Magnum. Our signature sparkling in this grander size captures the indulgence of Christmas and is reaching its real peak in the drinking window. The wine itself has lots of lovely baked fruit character that gives it a wintery festive feel, perfect for opening on a cosy night in with a board game. However, it is also brilliant with food: think cheeseboards and charcuterie for the week between Christmas and New Year. 

“The Blanc de Noirs is our signature sparkling and we only make it in limited volumes from the finest fruit. 2018 was a brilliant vintage too, so this is a Magnum to try while we still have a few bottles remaining in stock.”

Shop 2018 Blanc de Noirs Magnum
Classic Cuvée Magnum 2018

ROGER BACON, ASSISTANT WINEMAKER

“The 2018 Classic Cuvée Magnum is a top-notch English Sparkling and easy drinking. It works well on its own – so ideal as a Christmas aperitif or with smoked salmon blinis – but also matches up to richer festive flavours. I enjoy tasting the Magnums with family, sometimes alongside normal 75cl bottles, as it really demonstrates how the larger formats age differently and showcase whole new dimensions to the wine. Plus, there is more to go around! 

“2018 was a memorable vintage – sometimes referred to as a ‘vintage of the decade’ – and this Cuvée in magnum is a classic example of this year at its best.” 

Shop 2018 Classic Cuvée Magnum

Further News

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Festive Feasts with Rathfinny Sparkling: Perfect Pairings for Christmas

Festive Feasts with Rathfinny Sparkling: Perfect Pairings for Christmas