Spectator Wine Club: Battle of the Bubbles English Case & Ambriel Cloud 10 Magnum

"We Brits can hold our heads up: much of what we make is world-class. I’m delighted, then, that thanks to Honest Grapes, we can feature here one of my all-time favourite English sparkling wine producers – Ambriel in West Sussex, founded and run by Charles and Wendy Outhwaite, huge fans of the Speccie.

The Ambriel Huzzah Rosé MV (1), a multi-vintage blend of Pinot Noir (mainly), Chardonnay (some) and Pinot Meunier (a splash), is a favourite of Mrs Ray. She loves its pale salmon hue, its weight and texture, its creamy mousse and its hints of crushed raspberries and strawberries. I love that she can see off a bottle on her own without any help. ‘What’s a champagne stopper?’ she asks. I’m so proud of her. £32.50.

The Ambriel English Reserve MV (2), my pick of the Ambriel range, must surely be England’s only single estate demi-sec. A Pinot Noir-led blend aged for seven years on the lees, it has a dosage of 32g per litre, the extra sweetness giving depth, richness, texture and delight. It’s not lusciously sweet, just sweeter than usual, making it the perfect partner for fruit tarts, wedding cakes and carefree summer picnics. Ideal for effervescent elevenses too. £33.50.

The 2018 Ambriel Wendling Blanc de Blancs (3) is a bona fide Spectator scoop. Yet to hit the market, it’s only available through these pages (until the end of May). Made entirely from Chardonnay and aged for more than five years, it’s dry but rich and concentrated with a zingy freshness and bursts of lemon sherbet. It’s gorgeous. Wendling is Wendy’s hitherto secret nickname, and she’s gorgeous too. £34.50.

I include the 2010 Ambriel Cloud 10 (7) because I love it and because everyone should buy everything in magnums. Wendy and Charles have gone all This is Spinal Tap by taking Cloud 9 up to 10, but really up to 11 for that extra push over the cliff. And it’s a corker, a Chardonnay-rich blend aged for 11 years (see?), it’s full of fresh and baked apple, a touch of cream and something fruity and candied. £99."
Jonathan Ray, The Spectator Wine Club

In the case

• 2x Ambriel, 'Wendling' Blanc de Blancs, 2018 (75cl)

• 2x Ambriel, 'Huzzah' Rosé, MV (75cl)

• 2x Ambriel, English Reserve Demi-Sec, MV (75cl)

• 1x Ambriel, 'Cloud 10', 2010 - Magnum (150cl)