Blanc de Blancs NV (10's)

If you’re driving south on the A3, you’ll embark on a long climb just past Guildford and then burst out onto a glorious view away towards the South Downs. Then take the right turn, along the Hog’s Back, which is an inspiring high ridge with more uplifting views across to the hills, both north and south.

But if you don’t look downwards you will be missing the best view of all – the billowing rows of vines that Greyfriars have planted, snuggled beneath the Hog’s Back ridge, angled to the south, soaking up every ray of Surrey sunshine that comes.

Greyfriars Vineyard makes several sparklers, but this fizz, in particular, is a cracker. It comes from the Estate’s Chardonnay grapes and is fuller, rounder, creamier and nuttier than most English fizz, because they ferment and age the wine in oak barrels before giving the wine its bubbles. You still get the mouthwatering, crisp acidity of England, but it is married with a rich softness like lemon curd smeared on warm brioche.