Ambriel, 'Wendling' Blanc de Blancs, 2018
Ambriel, 'Wendling' Blanc de Blancs, 2018
- 75cl
- 11%
- Sparkling
- Chardonnay
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2032
The 2018 vintage was a gift to English winemakers, and Ambriel have absolutely made the most of it here. Expect crisp citrus, green apple and a touch of stone fruit, all underpinned by a fine, chalky backbone and a beautifully persistent mousse. There’s a creamy, biscuity depth from time on lees, but it’s the elegance and freshness that really shine.
The Wendling (named in honour of co-owner Wendy) Blanc de Blancs 2018 is a brilliant example of what makes Ambriel - and English Sparkling more broadly—so exciting right now. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grown on the single Wendling vineyard in West Sussex, this is a sparkling wine that delivers precision, poise and plenty of personality.
Currently showing beautifully with five years of lees ageing already providing lovely integration between the primary citrus fruit and secondary biscuity complexity. Over the next few years, the wine will develop more honeyed richness while retaining its core of citrus precision. We expect it to hit its peak around 2028-2030, showing maximum complexity while still maintaining freshness. After 2032, the wine may begin to lose some of its vibrant acidity, though it will likely remain pleasant for drinking. This style of English sparkling generally doesn't improve dramatically with extended cellaring beyond 8-10 years from vintage.
What the critics say:
"The 2018 Brut Blanc de Blancs Wendling spent five and a half years on lees and offers lemony ocean breezes on the nose, full of ozone and briny promise. The palate delivers exquisite finesse, with sophisticated svelteness and beautiful lemony precision. Gorgeous notes of crunchy green apple supplement the citric purity of the wine, supported by superfine, smooth mousse that heightens the feeling of delicacy and elegance. This is a beautiful, light-footed, long-aged Blanc de Blancs with lovely depth and a lasting, appetizing finish. Dosage is 7 grams per liter."
"The 2018 Ambriel Wendling Blanc de Blancs is a bona fide Spectator scoop. Yet to hit the market, it’s only available through these pages (until the end of May). Made entirely from Chardonnay and aged for more than five years, it’s dry but rich and concentrated with a zingy freshness and bursts of lemon sherbet. It’s gorgeous. Wendling is Wendy’s hitherto secret nickname, and she’s gorgeous too."
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with a persistent, fine mousse and delicate bead.
NoseLemony ocean breezes meet green apple and subtle biscuity richness from extended lees ageing. There's an almost briny quality that speaks to the maritime influence, with white flowers and a hint of wet chalk. The aromatics feel both precise and generous, showing the wine's careful balance between freshness and development.
PalateThe attack is all citrus purity—lemon sherbet and crisp green apple—but the mid-palate reveals creamy depth from those five years on lees. The mousse is superfine and elegant, creating a silky texture that heightens the wine's natural delicacy. The chalk backbone provides structure without weight, leading to that characteristic English precision.
FinishLong and appetising with lingering citrus and a mineral, almost saline persistence that calls for another glass.
Overall impressionThis is English sparkling wine firing on all cylinders—sophisticated, precise, and genuinely compelling.
Food Pairings
In Sussex, this would naturally pair with the county's famous seafood—fresh crab from Selsey Bill, Dover sole, or locally smoked salmon. The wine's mineral precision makes it perfect with oysters from nearby Chichester Harbour, while the creamy texture can handle richer preparations like fish pie or lobster thermidor. Traditional English fare like roast chicken or game birds works beautifully, as does the classic combination with Sussex cheese and crusty bread. The acidity cuts through rich, buttery sauces while the elegance complements delicate preparations.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 6-8°C in tulip-shaped Champagne flutes to concentrate the aromatics and showcase the fine mousse. No need to decant—pour gently to preserve the bubbles and allow the wine to warm slightly in the glass to reveal its full complexity. Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place, and chill for at least three hours before serving. The wine benefits from being opened just before pouring to maintain maximum freshness and effervescence.
The Wendling vineyard sits on the South Downs' distinctive chalk soils, the same geological formation that runs beneath Champagne. This provides the crucial drainage and mineral backbone that gives English sparkling wine its signature precision and longevity. The maritime climate and elevated position create ideal conditions for slow ripening, preserving the acidity that makes these wines so food-friendly. The chalk imparts that distinctive mineral thread that runs through the wine, balancing the fruit with a saline, almost coastal character.
English sparkling wine operates under less rigid regulations than Champagne, but the best producers like Ambriel follow traditional methods religiously. The South Downs provides ideal terroir with its chalk soils and cool climate, creating wines with natural acidity and mineral precision. Unlike Champagne, English producers can be more experimental with vineyard-specific bottlings like this Wendling cuvée. The quality has risen dramatically since 2010, with wines now competing directly with prestigious French houses on finesse and complexity.
The 2018 growing season in West Sussex delivered one of those vintages that reminds us why English sparkling wine has captured global attention. A long, warm summer provided ideal ripening conditions, allowing the classic Champagne varieties to develop the kind of fruit concentration that can sometimes elude our maritime climate. The extended hang time meant grapes arrived at harvest with excellent sugar levels while retaining the crisp acidity that defines the best English fizz.
What emerged from this vintage shows West Sussex producers at their confident best. The Chardonnay displays a richness we don't always see, with stone fruit flavours balanced by that signature chalky minerality from the South Downs. Pinot Noir contributed structure and depth, while Pinot Meunier added its characteristic roundness to the blends. These wines are drinking superbly now, showing both the immediate charm of the vintage and the backbone to develop further complexity until 2030 and beyond. We think 2018 will be remembered as one of those vintages that helped cement West Sussex's reputation on the world stage.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Crisp and elegant with lemon, green apple, and chalky minerality, plus creamy depth from extended lees ageing. Think precision meets richness.
When should I drink this wine?
Perfect now and will remain at its best until 2032. It's showing lovely integration between freshness and complexity.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Seafood is sublime—oysters, crab, or smoked salmon. Also excellent with roast chicken, soft cheeses, or as a sophisticated aperitif.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 6-8°C in flute glasses. No need to decant—just pour gently and let it warm slightly in the glass.
Is this worth cellaring?
It's drinking beautifully now with five years already on lees. Will improve slightly until 2030 but no need to wait—the elegance is there today.
How does this compare to Champagne?
Shows the same traditional method complexity but with distinctly English precision and mineral backbone from South Downs chalk. Excellent value against comparable Champagne.
Explore related wines
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs