Black Chalk Inversion (Blanc de Noirs) 2022

Get to know: Black Chalk Inversion Blanc de Noirs 2022

A characterful English sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown on Hampshire's chalk-rich vineyards in the Test Valley.

Tasting Note

Black Chalk Inversion Blanc de Noirs is a bold yet beautifully poised English sparkling wine that showcases what Pinot Noir can achieve in England's cool climate. Pale gold in colour with a persistent stream of fine bubbles, it opens with expressive aromas of ripe cherry, mandarin, lemon peel and subtle fennel notes. On the palate, layers of red berry fruit, citrus and delicate herbal complexity are balanced by remarkable freshness and precision. The Pinot Noir brings depth and character, while the Pinot Meunier adds elegance and lift. Despite its concentration, there's a vibrant acidity running through the wine that keeps everything focused and refreshing. The finish is long, juicy and mineral, leaving a lasting impression of finesse and complexity. This is a serious English Blanc de Noirs that combines power with remarkable balance.

Top food pairings:

• Duck breast with cherry sauce
• Charcuterie and aged hard cheeses
• Roast pork with fennel and apple

Kate Says

"If you've ever wondered whether sparkling wine can be both powerful and elegant at the same time, this is your answer. It's the bottle I'd open when everyone around the table loves wine and the conversation inevitably turns to 'what's everyone drinking at the moment?' Expect it to steal the show."

Producer Info

Black Chalk is one of the most exciting names in modern English wine. Based in Hampshire's Test Valley, founder and winemaker Jacob Leadley has built a reputation for producing exceptional vintage-only sparkling wines that express the unique character of England's chalk soils. Through minimal intervention winemaking and meticulous vineyard management, Black Chalk creates wines with purity, precision and a strong sense of place.

How it's made:

• Varieties: 73% Pinot Noir and 27% Pinot Meunier
• Fruit sourced from the Levels and HiDE vineyards and harvested to achieve optimum ripeness while retaining vibrant natural acidity
• Careful pressing preserves the purity and aromatic character of the fruit
• 97.5% fermented in stainless steel with the remainder fermented in five-year-old Burgundian barrels, using specialist Burgundy yeast to enhance finesse and aromatic complexity
• Aged for a minimum of 32 months on lees, with no malolactic fermentation and no fining to preserve freshness, structure and vineyard expression

Good to know:

• Region: Hampshire, England
• Style: Sparkling White Wine, Blanc de Noirs
• Closure: Natural Cork
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 12%
• Vintage: 2022

Why we love it:

This outstanding English sparkling wine shows a different side of Hampshire fizz, combining the richness and character of Pinot Noir with the freshness and precision that define the region. Complex, food-friendly and full of personality, it's a brilliant example of how exciting modern English Blanc de Noirs can be.