Sussex

PDO since 2022 · traditional method

Sussex is a UK PDO, registered on 5 July 2022, for wine from East and West Sussex in England.1,2 Its quality sparkling wine rules, as set out in the 2019 application, require hand harvest, whole-bunch pressing, the traditional method and at least 15 months in bottle before release, 12 of them on the lees.3

Source note: the rules below come from the 2019 Defra application text. The final specification registered in 2022 could not be read for this page and may differ in detail.

Registration

The application was filed on 15 April 2021, the decision notice followed on 15 June 2022, and the PDO was entered in the UK register on 5 July 2022.1,2

Grapes

The principal varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Also permitted: Arbanne, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Pinot Noir Précoce.3 A Blanc de Blancs needs at least 90% Chardonnay; a Blanc de Noirs at least 90% Pinot Noir and/or Meunier.3

Production rules

  • All grapes picked by hand; a dispensation is possible in exceptional years.3
  • Whole-bunch pressing only, except for rosé; press yield up to 66.67 l per 100 kg.3
  • Yield normally up to 12 t/ha (absolute maximum 14 t/ha) and no more than 80 hl/ha of must.3
  • Traditional method, with 15 months in bottle before release, of which at least 12 months on the tirage lees.3
  • Minimum actual alcohol 11% vol and minimum pressure 3.5 bar at 20 °C.3
  • Grapes and all winemaking within the administrative boundaries of East and West Sussex.3

Compared with the English PDO

RuleEnglish Quality Sparkling WineSussex
Minimum on lees9 months12 months
Minimum actual alcohol10% vol11% vol
AreaEnglandEast and West Sussex

Sources for the comparison: the English and Sussex specifications.4,3

See also

United KingdomRegionsEnglish Quality Sparkling WineRegionsTraditional methodMethodsBlanc de blancsStylesBlanc de noirsStylesChardonnayGrapesPressingMethods

Sources

  1. GOV.UK (Defra). Sussex: protected food and drink names register (PDO) (2022-07-05)
  2. Defra (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk). Decision Notice Sussex PDO (2022-06-15)
  3. Defra Wine Team, hosted by WineGB. Defra guidance / application specification: Sussex quality sparkling wine PDO (rev. Sept 2019) (2019-09)
  4. Defra. English Wine PDO specification (December 2011), Part 2 Quality Sparkling Wine (2011-12)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19