To mark the 25th Anniversary as pioneers in English sparkling, Ridgeview have launched their first new wine in a decade – Ridgeview Oak Reserve NV. Produced to celebrate Ridgeview’s part in the historical rise of the English sparkling wine industry, the Oak Reserve has an innovative new label design and packaging, highlighting that Ridgeview continues to be a pioneering force in English sparkling wine.

The project especially curated by Ridgeview Director of Winemaking, Simon Roberts was inspired by his love of subtly oaked sparkling wines. “With careful use of oak-aged Chardonnay, we have created a Ridgeview barrel fermented sparkling wine. Some of the very best Chardonnay grapes were selected from our home vineyard in Ditchling, planted in 1995. I have always loved what delicate oak can bring to Chardonnay and this project has allowed me to explore the additional creaminess from the oak, in harmony with our normal fresh fruit style. We have made an unique batch of 2,600 bottles which I think is one of the most exciting wines that we have released.”

The style whilst fitting in with Ridgeview’s core range of labels has a distinct pared-back modern appeal. The bespoke labels designed in consultation with Brighton-based drinks designers Cookchick, have an innovative design based on the texture of wood barrels. The brief highlighted the fact that oaked wines can sometimes split consumer opinion, therefore the oak label design gives no illusion to the contents of the wine. The labels are printed on Fasson Natural Cherry Wood paper, making not only the contents amazing but a beautiful tactile experience to each bottle. Specialist label printers Reflex printed the project which was unlike any label that they had printed before, pushing technological boundaries.

Designer Lee Cook commented: “Such a distinctive sparkling wine demanded an equally distinctive bottle design. What could be better for a Limited-Edition Oak Reserve wine than a real wood label delivering an individual grain, pattern and colour to each of the 2,600 bottles. Combining the natural texture of oak with foil blocking – silver of course for Ridgeview’s 25th Anniversary – and a unique label shape defines a celebratory feel whilst

maintaining a visual link to the recently updated Ridgeview portfolio. A great project to be involved in and a result we are all incredibly proud of.”

The Ridgeview Oak Reserve was created as a one-off by Ridgeview Director of Winemaking Simon Roberts, inspired by some of his favourite wines from around the world. Each bottle has been carefully hand-labelled, with the first release limited to just 1000 bottles. At £75 RRP the wine is aimed at the lover of boutique small batch English sparkling wines.
Ridgeview Oak Reserve will be available to purchase online direct from www.ridgeview.co.uk from the 5th October and with a handful of selected speciality resellers.

-ENDS-

For further press information, imagery, video assets or interview opportunities please contact: Ridgeview Director of Communications: Mardi Roberts
01444 242040 / 07793443151

mardi@ridgeview.co.uk

Notes to editor:

Ridgeview has led the way in the English sparkling wine revolution, crafting traditional method wine since 1995. Established near the picturesque village of Ditchling in Sussex, this second-generation family business was crowned the globes best in the ‘International Wine & Spirit Competition’ in 2018 and named No. 36 in the ‘Top 50 Worlds’ Best Vineyards’ in 2019.
The family company are incredibly proud to have been served at a collection of Royal occasions including to former USA President Barak Obama at Buckingham Palace. Ridgeview’s sparkling wines are now exported and enjoyed around the globe. The vineyard is situated in the beautiful South Downs where visitors can drink in gorgeous view that gives Ridgeview its name and celebrate the family message which is found written in the neck foil of every bottle that ‘Life is for celebrating’.

Ridgeview social channels: @RidgeviewWineUK