The Society's Exhibition English Blanc de Blancs 2018

The South Downs of Sussex are found on the same geological formation (limestone on top of a sandstone bed) that continues through the east of France down to Champagne. It is no surprise therefore that the soils at The Ridgeview Estate are conducive to the production of grapes needed for premium quality sparkling wine. Just seven miles from the sea the winters here are mild too with the hills creating a rain shadow to keep the vineyards comparatively dry and sheltered.

Founded in 1994 by the late and sadly missed Mike Roberts with his wife Christine, the estate produces fine bubbly from the three Champagne grapes, chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, according to the méthode traditionnelle of secondary fermentation in bottle, and a period of maturation before disgorging. The Merret cuvées are named in honour of Christopher Merret, a 17th century doctor, scientist and glassmaker who in 1662 - over thirty years before Dom Pérignon - was the first to set down on paper the process of dosing wine with sugar provoke a secondary fermentation. Now fully certified as a B-Corp and accredited under the Wines GB Sustainability scheme, acting sustainably is at the heart of their operation.

Environmental sustainability
Vineyard initiatives include cover-crop biodiversity, improving soil structure as well as encouraging natural grape pests and reducing use of herbicides. In the winery, their underground cellars require no energy supply, relying instead on natural, ambient temperature control. They concentrate on minimising their carbon emissions, sequestering carbon across the estate and committing to being carbon-neutral by 2030. They also save energy as much as possible, using solar energy, sensor-activated lighting systems and LED bulbs to illuminate outdoor facilities, and a ‘Bio-Bubble’ treatment system to process all wastewater from across the estate. Rainwater is also harvested, and used for onsite bathrooms, vineyard spraying and washing of machinery, as well as watering the diverse plant-life across the estate.

Social sustainability
Ridgeview have several initiatives to give back to the community. They have donated over £17,000 to the Table Talk charity, which provides food education for children in Sussex. They support local community sports and host winemaking and harvest training for the local special educational needs college.