2019 Classic Cuvée Brut, Busi-Jacobsohn, Sussex

Busi Jacobsohn Classic Cuvée Brut: without doubt, my English sparkling wine of choice. It’s all about flavour profile and balance. Flavours and balance begging you to pour another glass – then another. It’s why last night the bottle didn’t last long. For here were seductive flavours of baked apple, breakfast pastry, juicy red apples – no, pink, yes! Pink Lady apples. Whereas my tasting partner thought more Golden Delicious; where, between us, we had half the orchard covered.

But what a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness! A savoury tart followed by a sweet tart, poised right in the middle – yes, like a Golden Delicious apple. Here, a mouth-puckering bite and edge developing, then gracefully countered with a soft, smooth, mousse-like finish. Exquisite.

And, indeed, both the perfect aperitif and supreme pairing with many-a-dish. My personal favourite would be with fish and chips (of course), however, the Classic Cuvée Brut will work with equal brilliance alongside lobster, hot smoked-salmon, or scallops.

James Ayers - Mr.Wheeler Wine