NV Culver Classic Cuvée, Langham Wine Estate
- Style: English Sparkling, Traditional Method
- Taste: Red fruits, black pepper spice, tropical brightness, lemon mousse
- Food: Shellfish, smoked salmon, charcuterie, soft cheese
- Occasion: Aperitivo, Sunday lunch, date night
- Serve: Chilled; 12% ABV, low carbonation
In the Glass — Tasting Notes
Red cherry and cranberry lead, followed by black pepper and a whisper of Sichuan heat that lingers beautifully. Tropical notes—kumquat, papaya, melon—keep the wine bright and never heavy, while a lemon mousse character lifts the entire glass. At 12% ABV with gentle carbonation (4.5 bar), this is a sparkling wine built for actual drinking rather than ceremony.
The Winery — Langham Wine Estate
One of England's most exciting producers, Langham operates from a single south-facing slope at Crawthorne Farm in rural Dorset, just under 10 miles from the coast. Head winemaker Tommy Grimshaw—among the country's brightest young talents—works with clay and flint soils over limestone that provide excellent drainage and heat retention. The estate's philosophy centres on minimal chemical intervention, allowing fruit clarity to shine. The Culver Classic Cuvée is a Meunier-dominant blend (45% Meunier, 43% Pinot Noir, 12% Chardonnay) fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel and seasoned French oak, then aged 15–18 months on lees without fining or filtration. This cellar work delivers real depth—both Jancis Robinson and Decanter award it 92 points, and it stands as one of the finest examples of traditional-method sparkling we've discovered lately.
At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving
Drink this with oysters, smoked salmon, or simply charcuterie and good bread. Its acidity and red-fruit character make it a natural partner for mushroom dishes and soft cheeses, while the wine's brightness also suits white fish and lighter fare. Whether you're hosting an aperitivo, planning a Sunday lunch, or setting the tone for a date night, this Dorset sparkling delivers. The wine is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, and will continue to evolve for several years in the cellar if you prefer to hold it. Explore our wider Light & Crispy White Wine selection and our England range to discover how the south coast is redefining what's possible in the glass.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.
