THE 2019 VINTAGE:

The 2019 growing season was cool and long, producing wines that sommeliers love thanks to their fine, balanced acidity. This vintage showcases the elegant, fruit-forward style that defines English summer—ripe yet refined, with brilliant freshness.

ORIGIN & TERROIR:

Gusbourne Estate: 60 hectares in Appledore, Kent and 30 hectares near Goodwood, West Sussex

Soils: Mix of clay, sand, chalk, and flinty loams

Climate: Exceptionally mild microclimates that add depth and complexity

Heritage: The original estate dates back to 1410

The distinct terroir of these “Garden of England” vineyards, combined with the maritime influence of the ancient Kentish coastline, creates wines with remarkable character and elegance.

WINEMAKING:

Method: Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle) with second fermentation in bottle

Pressing: Whole bunch pressed, predominantly from gently whole-bunch pressed Pinot Noir cuvée

Colour extraction: Small percentage of barrel-aged still red wine is blended before secondary fermentation, plus a proportion of crushed Pinot Noir to maximise fruit expression and achieve the delicate pink hue

Fermentation: 10 days at 18-20°C using specialist sparkling wine yeast in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks

Lees ageing: Minimum 36 months sur lattes (on lees) for complexity and creamy texture

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY:

“From the heart of the English countryside, our wines reflect the seasons and the forces of Mother Nature. We only produce vintage wines, each one handmade as a distinct expression of English summer and the grapes used to craft it. Each and every bottle is allowed to slowly develop to reach full potential and perfect poise. Our winemaking encourages the natural abundance of strawberry and apple flavours, a direct reflection of English summer.”

TASTING NOTES:

Appearance: Delicate pale pink/salmon-pink colour with brilliant rose-pink and orange hues. Fine, delicate mousse with superfine fizz.

Nose: Soft summer berries and floral notes dominate. Fresh red fruits including strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, and cherry. White nectarine, almond blossom, and subtle floral aromatics. Fragrant and inviting with pink peppercorn hints. Citrus zest and fresh flowers add complexity.

Palate: Vibrant and elegant, driven by bright red fruits. Ripe strawberries, fresh cherries, crushed raspberries, and redcurrants lead. Red apple, nectarine, orange, and rhubarb notes add layers. The fruit sits alongside creamy richness from extended lees ageing—think shortcake, soft sponge, hints of brioche and fresh pastry. A luminous core of fresh, brisk acidity brightens everything, with hints of pink peppercorn and delicate mineral character. The mouthfeel is juicy yet elegant, with crisp freshness balanced by creamy, rounded texture.

Finish: Long and zesty with a refreshing quality. The finish shows more piercing English acidity—tart strawberry and aromatic raspberry against a gently yeasty backdrop. Lingering fine spice and lasting impression.

STYLE:

This is Rosé unique to the 2019 growing season—”a timeless expression of endless summer.” Made for the moment, it’s a wine for pure pleasure where you can taste the warmth of the season. Restrained intensity yet quite charming, smart and friendly for enjoying now, with or without food. Fresh and harmonious, appetising with its lightning streak of freshness.

ABOUT GUSBOURNE:

Founded in 2004 by Andrew Weeber, who took over the historic estate with an uncompromising vision to create English sparkling wines that would stand alongside the finest offerings from across the globe. Under Chief Winemaker Charlie Holland and Master Sommelier Laura Rhys (Global Ambassador), Gusbourne released its first wine in 2010 and quickly earned accolades from the industry’s most exacting critics.

HERITAGE: The Gusbourne Estate dates to 1410. The de Goosebourne family crest featured three geese, still found in the local Appledore parish church. Every bottle carries a contemporary goose crest honouring this heritage—the “Goosemark” is a symbol of trust, representing pursuit of uncompromising quality.

ACCOLADES & AWARDS:

Gold Medal Winner – International Wine Challenge (2019 vintage)

Gold Medal Winner – Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (2018 vintage)

Served at Buckingham Palace—a sure sign of elegance and prestige

Ranked third for the number of awards among wines from Kent

One of Gusbourne’s most highly awarded wines

FOOD PAIRING:

Incredibly versatile—perfect to start a meal or as an accompaniment throughout. Master Sommelier Laura Rhys’s recommended pairings:

Signature pairing: Oven-roasted pork belly with caramelized Pink Lady apples (“One of my all-time favourite matches”)

Seafood: Salmon gravadlax, shellfish

Poultry & Game: Smoked duck salad, duck dishes, lighter meats and game

Beetroot dishes: Roast beetroot

Richer fish: Works beautifully with more substantial fish preparations

Desserts: Lighter, fruit-driven desserts, rhubarb custard dessert

Aperitif: Excellent on its own or with canapés

AGEING NOTES:

While delicious now with vibrant fruit-forward character, this wine will benefit from additional bottle age. Creaminess and fruit just need a little more time to fully integrate. All the potential is there for further development of complexity.

REGION: Kent & West Sussex, England

STYLE: Traditional Method Vintage Sparkling Rosé (Méthode Traditionnelle)

WINEMAKING INNOVATION:

Gusbourne combines the best age-old traditions with modern technology and cutting-edge equipment, allowing them to sit comfortably between old and new world winemaking while maintaining exacting quality standards.

WHY THIS WINE IS EXCEPTIONAL:

Critics describe it as having “all the potential” with “lovely strawberry, raspberry with bright shearing acidity, very pure and balanced overall.” The combination of cool-climate English fruit, extended lees ageing, and meticulous winemaking creates a rosé that’s both approachable and sophisticated—smart, friendly, and harmonious. It proves that English sparkling rosé can achieve world-class elegance while expressing its own unique character.

As one reviewer notes: “This harmonious rosé leaves a lasting impression and is appetising with its lightning streak of freshness.”

PHILOSOPHY:

“Our Rosé is unique to each growing season – a timeless expression of endless summer.” Each vintage captures the essence of that particular English summer, handmade to reflect the natural abundance of the season and allowed to develop to perfect poise.