Get to know: Black Chalk Inversion 2020
A rare and expressive English sparkling wine from Hampshire’s chalky soils, made in the elegant Blanc de Noirs style using the best Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.
Tasting Note
Black Chalk Inversion 2020 is a striking example of what Hampshire Pinot can do. Made mostly from Pinot Noir with a touch of Pinot Meunier, it’s rich yet refined, bursting with red berry aromas – think wild strawberry, cherry, and raspberry – alongside a gentle savoury note and a hint of brioche. On the palate, it’s powerful and expressive, full of ripe red fruit, a creamy texture, and a fresh backbone of acidity that keeps everything in balance. The finish is long, clean, and just a little bit grown up – a confident English Blanc de Noirs with real character and class.
Top food pairings:
- Smoked salmon blinis or crab pâté
- Duck breast with cherry glaze
- Earthy mushroom risotto
Kate Says
"This is one for special occasions – rich, complex, and beautifully made. It’s got that proper grown-up sparkle that makes you stop and take notice."
Producer Info
Black Chalk is a proudly independent winery based in Hampshire’s beautiful Test Valley. Founded by winemaker Jacob Leadley in 2015, the team focus on crafting premium English sparkling wines that show the best of local fruit – pure, precise and full of freshness. Working with their own vineyards and local growers, they take a minimal-intervention approach that lets the grapes and terroir do the talking. It’s a modern, passionate winemaking project with deep roots in Hampshire’s chalk-rich soils and a genuine love for the craft.
How it’s made:
- Varieties: 83% Pinot Noir, 17% Pinot Meunier
- Grapes hand-harvested from the Upper Levels vineyard for purity and depth
- 97% aged in stainless steel, 3% in 5-year-old Burgundian barrels
- No malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness and focus
- Unfined and minimal intervention to showcase natural fruit character
Good to know:
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Region: Hampshire, England
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Style: Sparkling Blanc de Noirs
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Closure: Cork
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Vegan: Yes
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ABV: 12.5%
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Vintage: 2020
Why we love it:
This Hampshire sparkling wine shows just how far English Pinot Noir has come – bold, expressive, and full of fine detail. With layers of red fruit, freshness and finesse, it’s an outstanding choice for celebrations or a bottle to savour when only something special will do.