The distinctive chalk cliffs of the Champagne region extend under the English Channel to resurface in Sussex as the South Downs. Viticulture has been a softly spoken industry here since Roman occupation, the propitious limestone escarpments and temperate seasons making a super clime for the production of exquisitely balanced sparklings. The sacred trinity of Champagne varietals, dominated by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, a measure of Chardonnay for structure and finesse, its comely pink blush is matched by the ripe red tang of cranberries, morello and sweet Seville orange spice.
