Situated just south of the village of Alfriston in East Sussex, and just three miles from the English Channel, Rathfinny’s vines are set out on an ideal south-facing slope, protected from the worst of the prevailing south westerlies by a natural ridge that runs along the southern edge of the Estate. The soils are silty clay loam over chalk and free-draining like the soils found in Champagne, part of the Paris Basin. Rathfinny currently has 91 hectares of vineyards, with vines planted in 2.2 metre rows at a density of 4,500 vines per hectare.
Vinification
The grapes were hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and vinified with as little intervention as possible, to preserve the purest expression of vintage and place. The base wine was fermented in stainless steel at 16°C with commercial yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation. After bottling, the wine spent 36 months ageing on its lees to develop autolytic complexity, before being released in February 2022.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Rathfinny’s Classic Cuvée displays vivid aromas of grapefruit, red apple and brioche on the nose. The palate has real focus with zesty acidity and creamy texture. Rich, biscuity notes lead to a refreshing and moreish finish.