A South Downs vineyard has launched a new sparkling wine.
Everflyht Estate, in Ditchling, near Hassocks, has unveiled Wylde, a Charmat-method English sparkling wine created in collaboration with viticulturalist Luke Spalding.
The wine blends pinot noir, pinot meunier, pinot gris and chardonnay grapes to create a fruit-driven, contemporary style drink.
Ben Ellis, co-founder of Everflyht Estate, said: “English sparkling wine has rightly earned a reputation for world-class traditional method wines, but we felt there was space to explore another expression of the fruit we grow here in the South Downs.
“Wylde is about capturing that natural vibrancy in a style that feels fresh, sociable, and spontaneous, something people can open without ceremony but still recognise as high-quality wine produced in England.”
Sam and Ben Ellis, owners of Everflyht Estate (Image: Everflyht Estate)
The vineyard was originally established in 2016 by the Ellis family.
It takes inspiration for its name from the six Martlets of the Sussex crest, which were said to never land and thus remained ‘ever in flight’.
The Charmat-method of wine-making, which is often associated with prosecco production, involves fermenting wine in large pressurised steel tanks, and is characterised by a fresh, fruity flavour.
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The wine is described as “playful yet premium” (Image: Henry Bryant)
Mr Spalding, who oversees the running of Everflyht, said: “The wine reflects the natural energy of the estate’s fruit.
“Wylde emphasises lively aromatics and bright fruit character and is designed to appeal to a new generation of wine drinkers seeking premium sparkling wines that suit relaxed occasions.
“It’s playful yet premium.
“We also felt that one of the best ways to fly the flag for English wine is to make it more obtainable, particularly for the on-trade.
“A wine like Wylde works well for by-the-glass listings, allowing people to experience high-quality English sparkling in a way that feels easy, sociable and accessible.”
Wylde is launching in the UK market with a recommended retail price of £24, or is available directly from Everflyht for £22 at everflyht.com.