Produced by Rathfinny Wine Estate on the rolling chalk slopes of Sussex, this Classic Cuvée Brut is a sparkling wine of precision and elegance. Notes of citrus, green apple and brioche are layered with fine bubbles and bright acidity, leading into a dry, finely textured palate with a long, refreshing finish. Refined yet approachable, it is an excellent aperitif and pairs beautifully with oysters, seafood, light canapés or soft cheeses.

On a Wine List

Sussex, England – Traditional Method Blend
A refined English sparkling wine: crisp, elegant and finely textured. Ideal for Champagne lovers looking to explore premium Sussex fizz.

Founded in 2010 by Mark and Sarah Driver, Rathfinny Wine Estate was created with the ambition of producing world-class sparkling wine in Sussex. The estate is sustainably farmed, with vineyards planted on south-facing chalk slopes close to the English Channel, helping to maximise ripening while preserving freshness. Winemaking focuses on precision and balance, combining meticulous vineyard work with extended lees ageing to create sparkling wines of elegance, purity and regional character.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most revered red grape varieties, known for its ability to express site with clarity and finesse. Typically showing red and dark cherry fruit, floral notes and subtle earthiness, it is light to medium bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity. Styles range from delicate and aromatic to more structured and concentrated, depending on climate and winemaking approach.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most versatile and widely planted white grape varieties in the world, renowned for its adaptability to diverse climates and winemaking styles. Originating in Burgundy, where it reaches its most elegant and mineral expression, Chardonnay can range from crisp and steely to rich and opulent, depending on where and how it is made. Its relatively neutral character allows it to reflect both terroir and technique—whether aged in stainless steel for a lean, citrus-driven profile, or in oak barrels to develop notes of vanilla, toast, and creamy texture. Flavours often include apple, pear, lemon, peach, and tropical fruits, with cool-climate examples offering tension and minerality, while warmer regions yield fuller, rounder styles. From Chablis to Napa, Margaret River to Sicily, Chardonnay remains a benchmark for quality and diversity in white wine.

Pinot Meunier

Pinot Meunier is one of the three principal grapes of Champagne, valued for the freshness, fruit character and approachability it brings to sparkling wines. Often showing notes of apple, pear, peach and subtle floral tones, it produces wines with soft texture and vibrant early appeal, helping to balance the structure of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in traditional Champagne blends. Thriving in Champagne’s cooler conditions, Pinot Meunier is particularly prized for its reliability in more challenging vintages and its ability to add roundness and generosity to non vintage cuvées. While traditionally used as a blending component, it is increasingly recognised in its own right for producing expressive, fruit-driven sparkling wines with charm and immediacy.

Sussex - has emerged as one of England’s leading sparkling wine regions, thanks to its cool climate and chalk soils that closely resemble those of Champagne. These conditions allow grapes to ripen slowly while retaining vibrant acidity, producing sparkling wines known for their freshness, finesse and precision.