Nestled in the rolling chalk hills of Dorset’s stunning Bride Valley, there’s a vineyard that’s fizzing with excitement—and for good reason!
Bride Valley Wines has just popped the cork on a major achievement, clinching a prestigious Gold Medal for their Brut Reserve 2018 at the world-renowned International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London. Let’s raise a glass to this sparkling success!
This isn’t just any win – Bride Valley’s Brut Reserve 2018 scored an impressive 96 points out of 100, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with France’s iconic Champagne Piper-Heidsieck and just one point shy of the competition’s top sparkling wine. Crafted from 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay grapes, this dry sparkling wine is made in the style of a Grand Cru Champagne, with secondary fermentation in the bottle and five years of lees ageing for that extra depth.
The IWSC judges couldn’t stop raving, calling it a “gastronomic wine” with a “plush bouquet of orchard fruits, gentle nuttiness, vibrant citrus, green apple, and brioche.”
Sounds like a party in every sip!
But the celebration doesn’t stop there. Bride Valley also snagged Silver Medals for their Dorset Crémant and Blanc de Blancs 2018, proving their sparkling prowess is no one-hit wonder.
With only 2% of wines earning a coveted Gold Medal at the IWSC, this Dorset gem is truly in a league of its own.
“We’re over the moon!” says Nikki Gallagher, Commercial Director at Bride Valley Wines. “This accolade is a testament to the incredible quality of grapes we’re growing here in West Dorset and the craftsmanship behind our wines. It’s proof that English sparkling wines are now on par with the world’s finest Champagnes.”
Founded in 2008 by the legendary wine expert Steven Spurrier, Bride Valley’s 10-hectare vineyard is home to 44,000 vines of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, thriving in the chalky soils of this picturesque valley.
Since 2011, they’ve been crafting award-winning still and sparkling wines that capture the essence of Dorset’s unique terroir. Now under the stewardship of local businessman Alasdair Warren, who also brought Bridport’s iconic Art Deco Electric Palace back to life—the vineyard is fizzing with new energy and ambition.
Nikki’s enthusiasm is infectious: “We hope these medals inspire more people to sip English wines and support their local vineyards. There’s something special about celebrating where you’re from with every glass!”
Ready to taste the magic for yourself?
Bride Valley Vineyard is open for tours and tastings every Saturday until the end of September, where you can sample their award-winning wines and soak in the beauty of this Dorset gem. Can’t make it?
Pop over to their website and order a bottle (or two) and bring the sparkle home.
Here’s to Bride Valley Wines—proof that Dorset’s hills are pouring pure gold!
Want to learn more about the IWSC or dive deeper into Bride Valley’s winning Brut Reserve?
Check out www.iwsc.net and the official judging notes.
