Gusbourne 51 Degrees North 2016

Get to know: Gusbourne Fifty One Degrees North 2016

A world-class English sparkling wine crafted from exceptional vineyards in Kent and Sussex.

Tasting Note

Gusbourne Fifty One Degrees North 2016 is a prestige sparkling wine that combines power, elegance, and incredible precision. Pale golden in colour with a fine, persistent bubbles, it opens with complex aromas of toasted brioche, nougat, baked apple, lemon curd, oyster shell minerality, and roasted nuts. On the palate, this English sparkling wine is rich yet beautifully poised, with layers of citrus, yellow orchard fruit, pastry, and subtle oak spice supported by vibrant acidity. The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir delivers remarkable depth and texture, while over six years ageing on lees adds creamy complexity and a long, savoury finish. A serious vintage sparkling wine that comfortably sits amongst the world’s finest traditional method wines.

Top food pairings:

• Lobster with garlic butter
• Roast chicken with truffle and wild mushrooms
• Parmesan risotto or aged Comté cheese

Kate Says

"We’ve been pouring Gusbourne in our bars for years, so it’s been brilliant watching their journey from exciting English producer to one of the world’s great sparkling wine names. Tasting Fifty One Degrees North feels like seeing all that hard work and ambition come together in one seriously special bottle. It is one of those wines that makes people stop mid-conversation after the first sip. Rich, layered, and confident – English sparkling wine at its absolute best."

Producer Info

Gusbourne has become one of the benchmark names in modern English winemaking since planting its first vines in Kent in 2004. Working exclusively with estate-grown fruit from vineyards across Kent and Sussex, the winery focuses on producing vintage-only wines that showcase the unique character of England’s cool climate terroir. Careful vineyard management, low yields, and meticulous attention to detail in both vineyard and cellar allow Gusbourne to craft sparkling wines of remarkable purity, structure, and ageing potential.

How it’s made:

• Varieties: 67% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir
• Produced only in exceptional vintages using the finest hand-selected fruit from Kent and Sussex vineyards
• Whole bunch pressed with the juice naturally settled for 24 hours
• Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with 21% fermented in old oak barrels for added complexity
• Aged on lees for a minimum of 67 months to build depth, texture, and complexity

Good to know:

• Region: Kent & Sussex, England
• Style: Sparkling, traditional method, full-bodied
• Closure: Cork
• Vegan: No
• ABV: 12%
• Vintage: 2016

Why we love it:

This English sparkling wine is an extraordinary expression of just how far English wine has come. Complex, age-worthy, and beautifully composed, it offers Champagne-level finesse while retaining a distinctly English freshness and mineral edge. A truly special bottle for celebrations, gifting, or simply treating yourself to one of the finest sparkling wines England has to offer.