Black Chalk Classic

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26 December 2025

We celebrated with a bottle of Black Chalk Classic on Christmas Day ’25 and it brought a real spark to the occasion. From the Test Valley in Hampshire, Black Chalk is run by Jacob Leadley, an award-winning winemaker, along with his family.

Their approach is focused and artisan, producing traditional method sparkling wines in small batches. The grapes come exclusively from a handful of chalk downland vineyards in Hampshire. There’s a clear intention not to mimic Champagne. Instead, they aim to produce something with its own character and intrigue.

The 2022 vintage comes in at 12% ABV and is a blend of 46% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Meunier. It has been aged for at least 22 months on lees, followed by a further 6 months on cork after disgorgement, allowing depth to build and complexity to develop.

It bursts from the glass with energetic bubbles and an inviting aroma of brioche. On the tongue, it’s dry and intensely fruity with a vivid apple character that feels both crisp and refreshing. The acidity is sharp, lending a zingy brightness. What lingers is a strong impression of fresh apple, drawing out the experience with remarkable length. It’s livelier than Champagne in some ways but still carries that bready character that hints at something refined and celebratory.

At at RRP of £40, it’s available from Lea & Sandeman, The Wine Society, Loki Wine, Reserve Wines, Vinotopia ,The Wee Vinoteca and Grape Britannia.

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