SOMMELIER RETREAT

The area of Kent in southern England has become a sweet spot for Brit bubbles, due in no small part to being on the edge of the Paris Basin, the same massive area of calcareous chalk and marl that informs the wines of Champagne and the Loire. Areas and estates that were historically agricultural have turned to viticulture in the last few decades, encouraged by climate change and the success of early pioneers in the area. Gusborne was founded in 2004 and has quickly become a leader. Their Brut Reserve shows a classic style for English sparkling, with more texture and mouthfeel than might be expected for the cool south of England but a style that is endlessly crowd-pleasing.