Fiennes, English Sparkling, Brut, by Henners (bottle price £38)
Henners Fiennes NV Sparkling Cuvee is made from the traditional sparkling trio of Chardonnay 40%, Pinot Noir 35%, Pinot Meunier 25% which are lees (yeast cells) aged for at least three years before release. It's the "lees" that give sparkling wine it's rich biscuity flavours.
The label on the bottle has been created drawing inspiration from Herstmonceux Castle which is situated next to the Henners estate. Henners is positioned near Pevensey Levels Nature Reserve and is only 5 miles from the East Sussex coastline.
English sparkling is now recognised as being equivalent in quality to the might Champagne and the Fiennes is a representation of why this is now the case. It's a beautifully balanced and elegant wine that can stand up to being matched with food and works extremely well with canapés.