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In celebration of English wine.

Article written by Jack Priestley.

‘England, the newest of the ‘New World’ wine regions.’

 

It’s a truly exciting time for the English Wine industry and for that matter, for any wine lover in the country. The English Wine scene continues to gain momentum. England, the newest of the ‘New World’ wine regions. A true cool-climate region capable of producing thrilling wines.

 

The geologically diverse soils and a cool, marginal climate make our island ideally suited to the production of traditional method fizz and crisp, aromatic whites. But it’s our talented and hardy grape-growers and wine producers that have taken production to a world-class level.
Our local producers are regularly receiving trophies and winning international competitions, a testament to the quality of their wines. England is the new frontier for sparkling wine, highly sought after across the globe.

 

‘Sparklers certainly dominate production, our finest wines are made in this way.’

 

Sparklers certainly dominate production, our finest wines are made in this way. When seeking out a bottle, a ‘Classic Cuvée’ is usually the signature wine of a producer and represents a classic blend of the trio of Champagne grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. You can blend these three grapes in almost any which way with exciting results, but each producer will develop their own house style.

 

If we think about how these grapes influence the final wine, Chardonnay is very fine and pure with flavours of citrus, apple and florals that dominate. Pinot Noir tends to produce more red fruit flavours like wild strawberry and plum whilst adding richness and body. Finally, Pinot Meunier, a touch more simple but a lovely fruity grape nonetheless and the final piece to the puzzle.

 

‘What’s more exciting, is the best is yet to come.’

 

English still wines also provide much to discover and enjoy. Bacchus and Ortega produce enticingly aromatic and crisp whites. These two varieties are very much at home here. Still Chardonnay is very exciting too, comparisons are often made to Burgundy but producers are carving their own way in the numerous styles that are produced. We are even seeing some promise with English reds with light, perfumed and fragrant Pinot Noir. This is just to say, that there is so much to seek out.

What’s more exciting, is the best is yet to come. English vines are beginning to mature, producing higher quality, more concentrated fruit. Potentially some of the best sites are still yet to be planted! Our producers continue to experiment and refine their methods. So what better time to taste and drink British?

 

‘Join the us on the journey. Support your local producers.’

 

Join us on the journey. Support your local producers. Pop along to one of our shops where we will be showcasing some of our favourite local wines this week. We’re here to give you expert advice and help you to understand English wines, the producers, the people, the methods of production and how our industry sits in the context of the wider world of wine.

Visit a local winery, many of which have a cellar door and offer both tours and tastings. What better way to discover a new favourite bottle but to see where the grapes are grown and meet the people who make the wines. I can assure you that a visit to a local vineyard will be a fun and informative way to spend an afternoon and one that you won’t forget.

Shop our full collection of English wines

 

 

Key labelling terms in Sparkling Wine:

 

NV – this means Non-Vintage. If you don’t see a ‘year’ labelled on a bottle it is a NV or Multi-Vintage wine. This is a blend of wine that has been produced across a number of years. This is very typical in sparkling wine production and does not lessen quality in any way. Producers blend for style, balance, complexity and consistency.

Vintage – Wine produced from a single harvest. The year will appear on the label.

Blanc de Blanc – ‘White from White,’ this French term refers to sparkling wine made only from white grapes. This will be a wine made from Chardonnay, these can be thrilling and very exciting wines that often get better with age.

Blanc de Noir – ‘White from Black,’ again a French term but this time noting a sparkling wine made from black grapes. Pinot Noir usually makes up the majority of the blend. Expect more richness and depth.

Brut – Dry in style.

Extra Brut – Even Drier.

Brut Nature – No dosage or added sweetness whatsoever.