HATTINGLEY VALLEY CLASSIC RESERVE REVIEW.
When I saw that Waitrose was offering £10 off Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve, I snapped up a bottle. With a girls weekend away coming up, I thought this would be just the ticket to toast a birthday. I’d heard great things about this wine, and with the pretty gift box packaging, I thought it would knock everyone’s socks off.
Hattingley Valley is an internationally renowned vineyard and their English sparkling wine, award winning – 63 awards and 2 trophies to be exact. So, I expected a lot. But, did it deliver?
In this blog post you’ll find my review of Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve. What does it taste like? Is it value for money? And, what should you serve it with?
About Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve
Hattingley Valley is a well-established name in English sparkling wine. Based in the pretty area of Alresford in Hampshire, Hattingley Valley is an English winemaker with bit of a fancy reputation.
Their Classic Reserve often makes its way onto lists of recommended buys. With a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier, it promises complexity and depth. One USP of Hattingley Valley fizz, is that they often use oak barrels for ageing. In the case of the Classic Reserve, the wine has spent some time in Burgundy Barrels.
The Classic Reserve is made in the traditional method, akin to Champagne rather than Prosecco. When it comes to English Sparkling Wine, “traditional method” wines are normally a much higher price point than modern method sparkling.
Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve: The Low Down
Here’s all the key information you need to know about Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve.
🗺️Made in Hattingley Valley, Hampshire
🍇50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. Alcohol 12%.
💷£33.99 to £36 (currently £10 off in Waitrose)
Tasting notes for Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve
So to the taste test – here’s my review of Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve.
Appearance –a pale hue, like looking a softly lit light bulb. Effervescent and pretty on the eye.
Aroma – Subtle. Maybe too subtle. I really struggled to pick up much beyond a faint citrus whiff.
Taste – Again, subtlety reigns here. There’s some citrus zest and a touch of toast, but for me, the bitterness perhaps created by the oak barrels, was too much, overpowering any real complexity.
Mouthfeel – Light and pleasant, with fine bubbles that are nicely balanced.
Pairing suggestions for Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve
I’d hoped that the Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve would stand up on it’s own without the need for food. When I tried this wine, it was as an aperitif without any nibbles to match. And perhaps this was where I went wrong and why I wasn’t overly impressed with the wine,
It’s possible that the wine could work well with food that won’t overpower it. Light seafood, such as oysters or grilled prawns perhaps. Equally, a simple goats’ cheese salad or something citrus-based might bring out a little more from the wine.
Occasions and serving tips for Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve
Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve certainly has the look of a good gifting wine. The packaging is sleek and elegant, and the vineyard’s reputation could make it a well-received present for someone who appreciates fine English sparkling wines.
For me? I don’t think it tastes special enough for a celebratory occasion. And the price point is too high for a “just because it’s Friday Fizz.” I paid £24, a discount of £10 off the normal retail price and still think it failed the value test.
My review of Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve
I’m so sad to say that Hattingley Valley’s Classic Reserve was a bit of a letdown for me, particularly after seeing it on so many lists of the best English sparkling wine.
TASTE: 6/10
QUAFFABILITY: 8/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 6/10
BUY AGAIN: No
I’d expected to enjoy the promised “brioche” taste, but it lacked any creaminess for me to warrant this description. It tended neither to the buttery or the fruity, and instead just had a slightly acerbic quality. I wonder if this is caused by the oak barrel treatment that Hattingley Valley are known for.
I couldn’t help but compare it to trusty Chapel Down Brut, a wine with a much lower price point, which my friends and I enjoyed afterward. The Chapel Down had a more vibrant, lively character that made it far more enjoyable for me. Hattingley felt heavy and flat in comparison.
While this wine didn’t hit the mark for me, it could be suited to those who appreciate more understated notes, rather than fruit forward or floral wines. I often find that Pinot Meunier is too dominant for my palate and this may be the issue for me here.
As always, wine is subjective, so it might be worth a try if that sounds like your style.
If you, like me, prefer something a little more fruit forward and don’t want to spend a fortune – the Denbies Bacchus Fizz is my current fave.
Where to buy Hattingley Valley Reserve
Hattingley Valley Classic Reserve can be purchased directly from Hattingley Vineyard for £36.
Alternatively, Waitrose stock it in store and online – normal price is £33.99 but it is currently on a £10 off promotion.
Where to next?
A few of my favourite things
Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.
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