Nyetimber is the perfect pairing for Star Wine List of the Year Sweden

Nyetimber presents the Best Sparkling Wine List in Sweden as a partner of the 2023 Star Wine List of the Year Sweden. And the winner, announced on Monday in Stockholm, is a classic.

Sweden is one of the world’s most sophisticated wine markets, with nearly half the population considering themselves regular wine drinkers, and an extraordinary roster of great restaurants and wine bars.

So it won’t be a surprise that the 2023 Star Wine List of the Year Sweden was hotly contested. Or that English winery Nyetimber was the partner for the Best Sparkling Wine list. This year, the winner is Operakällaren, one of Sweden’s cultural landmarks.

"Nyetimber's dedication to quality, consistency and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to honour the best in hospitality and wine curation. And this year, we’re proud that we shone a light on the great work being done by Operakällaren," said Krister Bengtsson, founder and publisher of Star Wine List.

Nyetimber: Revolutionising English sparkling wine

Over the past three and a half decades, Nyetimber has pursued a singular goal: to produce exceptional English sparkling wine that competes with the world's best. Under the guidance of owner Eric Heerema and the talented winemaking team of Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix, Nyetimber has played a pivotal role in the success of English sparkling wine.

Nyetimber uses only 100% estate-grown grapes, traditional winemaking techniques, and prolonged ageing periods. This commitment to excellence has garnered numerous accolades for the winery, including the prestigious 2018 International Wine Challenge's "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" award for Cherie Spriggs.

Among their many innovations was the first-ever release of an English Demi-Sec, known as Cuvee Chérie, and the introduction of a prestige cuvée, 1086 by Nyetimber.

Nyetimber was also the first to produce English sparkling wines exclusively from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the three celebrated grape varieties; the first to release a designated single vineyard sparkling wine, Tillington; and the first sparkling wine producer in the world to publish riddling dates. They were also the first to use dark amber glass to protect the wine against UV light.

The outstanding Operakällaren

Located in the Royal Opera House, with views over the Kungsträdgården park in the centre of Stockholm, 1-Michelin-starred Operakällaren is one of Sweden’s most prestigious restaurants. Opened in 1787 in the cellar of the original opera house, which was later demolished, but moved to the new opera house in 1895.

The cuisine is French-inspired accentuated with Swedish touches, and its wine cellar is one of the most renowned in the Nordics.

Star Wine List of the Year Sweden

Star Wine List of the Year Sweden was judged by an impressive line-up of wine professionals, including Mischa Billing, Rajat Parr, Heidi Mäkinen MW, and Paz Levinson.

“After studying a large amount of Swedish wine lists, it is striking what a high level the Swedish sommelier corps maintains,” said jury member Mischa Billing. Today's wine lists breathe great professional experience and knowledge in both theory and practice and the lists match well with the restaurant's menu.”

Star Wine List’s Wine List of the Year awards have become the benchmark for wine lists, with competitions taking place not only in the Nordics but also in South Africa, the UK, and Australia. The winners in the international categories will qualify for the highly anticipated International Final in June, also set to be held in Sweden ― where Nyetimber will, once again, sponsor the Best Sparkling Wine List.