DEFINITION ENGLISH SPARKLING BRUT REVIEW.
In my ongoing quest to find reasonably priced English sparkling wine, I stumbled upon the Definition English Sparkling Brut. At £21, it’s not exactly cheap. But it costs far less than the likes of Hattingley Valley for example.
Definition, Majestic’s own label, is in my experience a reliable brand. I don’t recall ever disliking anything I purchased from the range but I do remember adoring their Chardonnay from Limoux. So how would the English Sparkling stack up?
In this blog post you’ll find my review of Definition English Sparkling Brut. What does it taste like? Is it value for money? And, what should you serve it with?
About Definition English Sparkling Brut
Definition is Majestic Wine’s own label range of wines from around the world. A small but quite mighty array of wines, which includes the classics such as Gavi, Chenin Blanc and Barolo. I’ve sampled a few of the Definition bottles and found them to be a decent staple. Reliable bottles of wine sold for inoffensive prices.
More recently, Majestic have added a couple of English wines to the range. This includes the English Sparkling Brut and a still Bacchus. Their Brut is made with grapes from Heppington Vineyard – a vineyard found close to Canterbury in Kent. An area known for producing powerhouse English sparkling wines – the soil has many similarities with the Champagne region.
This wine was made in partnership with winemaker Nick Lane – who now works at Defined Wine, a contract winery in Kent. His credentials are quite incredible – having worked at various Champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon. I for one am very excited to see his name anywhere near a bottle of reasonably priced English fizz!
So that’s how Majestic are able to produce English sparkling wine. A bunch of grapes from a vineyard, transferred to a contract winery to be managed by an expert maker. And bish bash bosh – the wine is available to buy on Majestic Wine shelves!
Definition English Sparkling Brut: The Low Down
Here’s all the key information you need to know about Definition English Sparkling Brut.
🗺️Made with grapes from Heppington Vineyard, Kent.
🍇46% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier.
Alcohol 12.5%.
💷£21 (with the mix 6 deal), otherwise £28.
Tasting notes for Definition English Sparkling Brut
So to the taste test – here’s my review of Definition English Sparkling Brut.
Appearance –a rich yellow straw like colour, displaying plenty of bubbles at first sight.
Aroma – Heady apple notes on the nose, perhaps a subtle hint of citrus too.
Taste – A young wine that showcases green apple, lustrous silky smoothness and a definitive hit of a little something zesty. On the dry side, which I adored.
Mouthfeel – Rich, but not pungent. Subtle but lively enough to bring the party vibes.
Pairing suggestions for Definition English Sparkling Brut
This is definitely more of an aperitivo than a fizz to pair alongside food. I can imagine it going very nicely with canapes – something with smoked salmon or parmesan.
In fact, given how fruity this wine is – if I was serving this at a party, I’d show off one of my all time favourite canapes. Stay with me here – a Balsamic Strawberry and Goats Cheese Crostini. If that sounds like it could be up your street, you can find a recipe for these here.
For glassware, a classic champagne coup is ideal to let the fizz sparkle to it’s full potential. Or an English Wine glass, if you are so inclined.
Occasions and serving tips for Definition English Sparkling Brut
The Definition English Sparkling Brut is a great one for celebratory occasions – Christmas parties, girls nights or a dinner party with the in-laws.
I’d say it’s not quite right as a gifting wine as the label won’t have much brand recognition. But pop a bottle for guests if you’re hosting, or bring it along to a dinner party and you’re friends will not be displeased.
Personally, I saved my bottle for my annual Christmas tree decorating party. Yes yes, I know I shouldn’t have put my tree up in November – but the wine made me do it.
My review of Definition English Sparkling Brut
Majestic know wine, and this is quite clear after my first little sip of the English sparkling. The wine jumps out of the glass with gusto. Zesty, acidic and plenty dry to boot. A great example of a fruit-forward lively young thing.
TASTE: 8/10
QUAFFABILITY: 8/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
BUY AGAIN: Yes
For context, champagne is traditionally made with three grapes – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. A tripod of goodness. When it comes to English sparkling wine, the quality producers try to emulate this and use all three to varying quantities. To my knowledge, the Definition Brut is the least expensive on the market made with all three grapes, and I think it should be judged in that light.
The Definition English Sparkling Brut may not win any fancy wine awards any time soon. It’s not OTT fancy. But for £21 – it feels like a jolly good value bottle of English Wine. And it made my evening a much happier one. I would definitely buy it again, especially as part of a Mix 6 deal. And I’d be very glad to share it with friends…or not!
If you’re looking for English Sparkling Wine at an even lower price point, you may also want to consider the Denbies Bacchus Fizz.
Where to buy Definition English Sparkling Brut
Definition is a Majestic Wine own brand, so you will find it exclusively in Majestic – online and in store. Don’t forget, that Majestic has a fantastic Mix Six deal. Buy six bottles across their ranges and get a lovely discount.
*PR sample. All opinions are my own.
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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