From our unique chalk terroir to the exciting innovation of talented makers, there are many reasons why you should gift or host with Sparkling Wines from Sussex.

Coming together with loved ones at Christmas is always special and best celebrated with the gentle pop of a bottle of sparkling. But what are the stories behind the bottles that can make the moment extra memorable?

SUSSEX CHALK: PERFECT FOUNDATIONS FOR FIZZ 

Sussex is blessed with the South Downs, which is a band of chalk that stretches from Eastbourne all the way to the Hampshire border in the west. It is on this chalk – the same geological feature made famous by Champaign's Coté de Blanc – that the Chardonnay grape finds its greatest expressions. 

Chalk lends itself to Chardonnay because its alkaline nature raises the pH of the grapes and gives the wine extraordinary freshness and finesse. In turn, this gives Chalk-grown Chardonnay great ageing potential, and the opportunity to develop unequalled intensity of flavour and character over time.  

COOLER CLIMES: WHY THE SUSSEX CLIMATE IS GOOD FOR SPARKLING 

Sussex is on the northern edge of the world’s grape-growing regions. In the mid-20th century, our cooler region meant those planting vines for still wine production were concerned with one thing above all else: grape ripeness. But the grapes needed for Sparkling wine are different; they don’t need to have lots of sugar in them from ripening. 

The traditional method of making fizz means there is a second fermentation in the bottle. During this second fermentation, two things are produced: Carbon Dioxide (which gives it the sparkle) and Alcohol. To ensure that the final product comes in at an enjoyable 12% ABV, the initial base wine produced must therefore be lower, at 8 – 9% ABV.  

Sugar is converted into alcohol during fermentation, so it follows that the lower the level of the sugar in the grape, the lower the ABV of the wine it will make. It is for this reason, that our cooler climate in Sussex is ideal for making fresh and elegant sparkling wines.

A NEW WORLD: HARNESSING INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY  

Although only around 40-miles north of the old wine world in France, Sussex is very much a new world wine region. This means we do not have the rules and cultural restrictions that define much wine production on the continent. 

At Artelium we embrace the New World spirit. In our winery, the question we ask ourselves is what will be the signature English sparkling wines of the future? That is why we have the innovation and creativity of artists as a core principle in our winemaking philosophy and give winemakers the chance to express themselves and create unique and distinct wines. 

WORLD-CLASS VINEYARDS ON YOUR SUSSEX DOORSTEP 

Excitement behind English Sparkling has been growing and viticulture is now the fastest-growing agricultural sector in the UK. Vineyards now cover over 4000 hectares across the country, with nearly a third in Sussex.  

Dominated by the planting of premium sparkling varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the landscape of the South Downs is fast becoming England’s Winelands with 30% of the land suitable for high-quality viticulture.