Majestic’s Parcel Series wines are sourced from top-tier wineries that discreetly offer a limited amount of stock at significantly reduced prices. This arrangement allows the producers to free up valuable cellar space, while presenting customers with a rare chance to enjoy high-quality wines for much less than their usual cost.
This particular wine is a non-vintage English Sparkling made by Rolling Green Hills Ltd. The name has appeared in various supermarket tastings concerning English Sparkling wines, and while it is widely speculated to be Nyetimber behind the label, this remains unconfirmed.
The wine is labelled Brut, which suggests a very slightly sweet profile and it comes in at 12% ABV. It is made using the traditional method, meaning the second fermentation that creates the bubbles occurs in the bottle, as it does with Champagne, rather than in a tank.
Having come across the name Rolling Green Hills before, I had certain expectations, but this wine surprised me. It’s a reminder that not all wines from this producer are the same. This particular version is more restrained and less full-on than others, offering more of a sense of elegance. It opens with a flourish of fine bubbles, although they do fade relatively quickly. Compared to other Rolling Green Hills wines, this one leans more towards a biscuity character rather than the brioche notes. It is also less sweet, instead bringing out the flavours of crisp apple and a hint of lemon. It comes across as a more serious, refined wine rather than one aimed at supermarket mass-market appeal, which feels well suited to Majestic’s positioning.
Available at Majestic for £25 as part of a mix-six offer, it represents excellent value for a well-made English Sparkling.
