A VINEYARD near Dorchester has won a top award for its wine.

The Langham Wine Estate Classic Cuvée 2014 was awarded a gold medal in the 2018 Sommelier Wine Awards.

The Dorset sparkling wine producer joins a line-up of superb international wines which also won gold, further promoting the region of Dorset as a quality terroir for traditional method sparkling wine.

Langham Classic Cuvée 2014 was described as ‘Lovely by the glass and good value,’ by Matthieu Longuère MS of Le Cordon Bleu London, as he noted its ‘floral, nutty, fruity and elegant nose, and friendly, fresh and quite juicy palate’.

The Don’s Carlos Ferreira said it was ‘a bit spicy with red apple, oak and stone fruits, good balance and finishing long and creamy’.

SWA judges' team leader Martin Lam found it ‘very distinctive, with a creamy, almost honeyed nose, and quite high acidity’.

Owner Justin Langham said: “We are delighted to have our Classic Cuvée 2014 so well-received especially considering the calibre of judges involved in the SWA. Their glowing comments are testament to the dedication and passion of our small team for producing world-class sparkling wines from our single-vineyard Dorset estate.”

Langham Classic Cuvée 2014 is a blend of the three classic Champagne varieties Chardonnay (50%), Pinot noir (25%) and Pinot meunier (25%). In appearance it has a golden colour with a stream of fine bubbles. The nose has aromas of red apple and brioche giving way to a refreshing palate with luxurious mouthfeel and flavours reminiscent of honeydew melon and poached pear. An elegant acidity brings poise to the palate and provides a mouth-watering finish, and it pairs perfectly with seafood and summer salads – or drinks beautifully on its own.

This latest award is hot on the heels of the Gold Langham Rosé 2014 won in March’s Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA). The Pinot noir-driven pink fizz was also chosen as this year’s top sparkling wine, whilst Langham Blanc de Noirs 2013 was awarded a Silver medal.

Langham Classic Cuvée 2014 is available from Marks and Spencer or direct from Langham Wine Estate www.langhamwine.co.uk. Rosé 2014 is also available from both M&S or direct from Langham Wine Estate. Langham Blanc de Noirs 2013 is available direct from the winery.