English wine week is a national campaign to promote English wines. It takes place annually in June, when the flowering begins in the vineyard, and signifies the start of the summer.
Our national vineyards are growing and thriving and it is an exciting time for the industry. New Vineyards are popping up all the time, existing vineyards are planting more vines and internationally acclaimed wines are being produced. Champagne houses have also been buying land in Kent and realising the potential of growing on English soils.
Wine grape cultivation in the UK goes back to Roman times, but the cold, wet climate has always been a major hurdle to producing wines of significant quality. However, the English wine industry has undergone a sizeable revolution in the last fifty years, and can now proudly claim to be a global contender, particularly when it comes to sparkling wine. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used to create bottle-fermented sparkling wines, made in the same way as those from Champagne. Good quality red, white and rose still wines are also emerging.
The best vineyards in England are in the southern counties, including Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and Cornwall. The chalky, limestone-rich soils and the warming effect of the Gulf Stream help ripen the grapes and develop natural sugars and acid. The recent succession of hot summers in Southern England has produced some stellar vintages, which have seen English wines beat many established countries in international competitions. The future is certainly rosy.
English Wine Week - Pick of the Bunch
NYETIMBER
Nyetimber is one of England's leading sparkling wine producers. The estate owns 100% of their vineyards and all of their wines are produced from the grapes planted on 152 hectares of some of the best sites in West Sussex and Hampshire. The vineyards were selected to be south facing with either sandy or chalky soils similar to those of Champagne and are nestled into the South Downs to protect the grapes from the cool English Channel breezes.
Nyetimber are devoted exclusively to the three Champagne grape varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Their wines are crafted in the traditional style of the famous French region, their cuvees are not a copy of Champagne, but a high-quality sparkling wine that is the English equal. All of their wines are aged on the lees for extended periods of time to build complexity and flavour.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, Brut Sparkling NV, West Sussex
A delightful multi vintage Cuvee. Pale gold, excellent clarity and tiny bubbles. Aromas of fresh melon, Meyer lemon, sweet pea flowers & vanilla. Fresh apricot and melon flavours on the palate and lovely texture. Apricot and bread flavours on the long finish. The wine has all the balance and structure needed to age for many years to come.
Nyetimber Cuvee Cherie, Demi Sec Sparkling NV, West Sussex
A terrific emulation of the classic off-dry Champagne style, made from 100 percent estate-grown Chardonnay grapes, named after their award-winning head wine maker Cherie Spriggs. Bursting with freshness and a subtle tone of rich, well-balanced sweetness there are plenty of delights to discover here. Orange citrus, brioche, honey and lemon are all hiding in plain sight in this impressive sparkling wine. It is an extremely versatile wine which pairs with many dishes from a quintessential afternoon tea and strawberries and cream to the aromatic cuisines of Japan, China and Thailand.
The Bolney Wine Estate has been making wines at the family run vineyard in Bolney, West Sussex, since 1972. Fifty years of dedication and patience is now paying off as Bolney are winning an increasing number of national and international awards. Positioned on the fringe of the South Downs, about 14 miles from the UK's south coast, Bolney is comprised of five unique vineyard sites which create some fantastic English sparkling wines.
Bolney Bubbly, Brut Sparkling NV, West Sussex
The Bolney Bubbly NV has a delightful floral and brioche nose combined with zesty citrus fruit, honeysuckle and elderflower. It is delicate and well balanced, finishing with a soft, fresh hint of sweetness.
Bolney Pinot Gris, West Sussex
As well as great Sparkling Bolney, produce some great still wines including this delicious, mouth-watering Pinot Gris. Medium-bodied and smooth, plenty of fresh pear along with citrus and honeysuckle. Fresh finish with some grassy notes.
HAMBLEDON VINEYARDS
The oldest commercial vineyard in the UK, Hampshire based Hambledon have developed an excellent reputation for their English sparkling wines, made in the traditional Champagne method and now exported to the world. First planted in 1952, the vineyard enjoyed several decades of success before falling into disrepair in the 1990s. Revitalised by Ian Kellet in 1999, Hambledon now dedicates its production to traditional method sparkling to great critical acclaim.
Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvee, Brut Sparkling NV, Hampshire
The Classic Cuvee is made from a blend of traditional Champagne grapes - Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir - Crisp, vibrant, elegant and enormously appealing. Fresh sourdough, magnolia and lily scents mingle with a hint of smoke over a core of greengage, red plums and dessert apples. The palate is vivid, almost vibrantly crunchy with precise, structured yet ripe acidity.
SHOP ALL ENGLISH WINES
For more information on English sparkling wine, please contact wine@bcfw.co.uk.
