CHAPEL DOWN BRUT: AN HONEST REVIEW.
If there’s one bottle that embodies the elegance of English sparkling wine, it’s Chapel Down Brut. With its refreshing balance of bright fruit flavours and lively bubbles, this is the kind of wine that feels tailor-made for special moments—or even just an impromptu celebration with friends.
Naturally, I had to bring a bottle along for a recent girls’ weekend in Margate. This is the sort of sparkling wine that everyone loves, from wine enthusiasts to casual drinkers. Punchy, zesty, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for both gifting and sharing.
In this blog post, you’ll find my full review of Chapel Down Brut. What does it taste like? Is it good value for money? And why does it have such strong brand recognition among English wines?
About Chapel Down Brut
Chapel Down is one of England’s most recognizable wine brands, and for good reason. Known for their high-quality sparkling wines, they’ve helped put English winemaking on the map.
The Brut is their flagship sparkling wine, crafted from the traditional Champagne varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Blanc. With a crisp 12% ABV, it’s a versatile bottle that pairs equally well with food and festive occasions.
Priced around £28–£30, it’s not the cheapest sparkling wine on the market, but the quality—and the brand’s reputation—justify the investment.
Chapel Down Brut: The Low Down
Here’s all the key information you need to know about Chapel Down Brut.
🗺️Kent, England
🍇Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc
Alcohol: 12%
💷£22–£30
Tasting notes for Chapel Down Brut
So to the taste test – here’s my review of Chapel Down Brut.
Appearance –Pale gold with a lively stream of fine bubbles—a classic, elegant sparkle.
Aroma – A bright burst of green apple and freshly-squeezed lemon, underscored by subtle hints of toasted brioche.
Taste – Crisp and refreshing, with Granny Smith apple taking center stage, followed by zesty citrus and a delicate floral note. There’s just enough creaminess on the finish to round it out beautifully.
Mouthfeel – Light, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. It’s lively without being too sharp, making it incredibly easy to drink.
Pairing suggestions for Chapel Down Brut
Chapel Down Brut is one of those wines that elevates a meal effortlessly. Its crisp acidity and lively bubbles make it a perfect partner for seafood, such as a fresh platter of oysters or juicy prawns. It also pairs beautifully with smoked salmon blinis, where the wine’s zesty citrus notes cut through the richness of the fish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s worth trying alongside crispy tempura vegetables with a zesty dipping sauce; the bubbles balance out the dish’s fried elements while the wine’s freshness complements the vibrant flavours.
On my Margate weekend, we kept it simple, enjoying the Brut with nothing more than some salty crisps and plenty of laughter. This wine truly doesn’t need much else to shine.
Occasions and serving tips for Chapel Down Brut
Chapel Down Brut is the quintessential sparkling wine for celebrations, big or small. It’s ideal for toasting at weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries, and it makes for a thoughtful gift—particularly for someone who appreciates quality wine.
It’s equally well-suited to more relaxed occasions. Whether you’re popping a bottle at a girls’ weekend, taking it along for a summer picnic, or bringing it out at a festive gathering, this is a wine that fits seamlessly into the moment.
To enjoy it at its best, make sure the bottle is well chilled, aiming for a temperature between 6–8°C. This brings out the wine’s crisp freshness and vibrant aromas. For serving, opt for a traditional Champagne flute or a modern tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass, which will showcase the lively bubbles and aromatic complexity.
My review of Chapel Down Brut
What I love most about Chapel Down Brut is its versatility. It’s polished enough to make an impression at a dinner party but approachable enough to open without a second thought on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
TASTE: 9/10
QUAFFABILITY: 10/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8.5/10
BUY AGAIN: Yes
The vibrant apple and lemon notes are perfectly balanced, while the creamy finish adds just enough depth to make it feel special. It’s one of the best examples of why English sparkling wine is gaining international recognition.
At around £22–£30, it’s certainly not the cheapest sparkling wine, but considering the quality and the prestige of the Chapel Down name, it’s worth the splurge.
Where to buy Chapel Down Brut
One of the things that I love about Chapel Down Brut, is that it’s really easy to get your hands on. There are no long waiting lists, or delivery times. Whilst it is possible to order from the vineyard, you can normally grab a bottle at your local supermarket instead.
Shop around to find deals – Waitrose and Sainso often have cheeky discounts. And, you can sometimes buy it at Majestic Wine Warehouse in the Mix 6 deal.
Thinking of visiting Chapel Down?
You can find my guide to the best hotels to stay in near Chapel Down here.
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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