June 22nd 2024.
Have you heard of the wines that are giving classic Champagne a run for its money? As a big fan of Champagne myself, I must admit that English sparkling wines have been dominating the international competitions lately. It's amazing how we've gone from being skilled at drinking Champagne to becoming experts at making our own sparkling wines.
But that's not all, the UK's wine tourism has become so impressive that it's attracting visitors from across the channel, with the French even taking weekend trips to visit our vineyards. In fact, it's currently English Wine Week and you may have noticed all the buzz and excitement around the country, with advertisements popping up in London's tube stations.
It's safe to say that English wines are making a name for themselves, and it's not surprising considering the growth of the industry. Did you know that 2,300 people now work full-time in the UK wine industry, and that number is expected to increase by 50% next year? It's quite impressive, and even though I'm not a numbers person, I can't help but share some interesting stats with you.
According to the University of Reading, viticulture is the fastest-growing agricultural industry in the UK, with over 10,500 acres of vines planted. And that number is expected to rise by 85% by 2032. Last year, we had a record-breaking grape harvest, producing 22 million bottles from almost 1,000 vineyards planted in the UK. That's four times the number of vineyards since 2000.
However, it's not all good news as global wine consumption has reached a 27-year low, dropping by 2.6%. We can thank inflation, along with Gen Z and China, for drinking less. But on a positive note, sparkling wine is the category that's driving growth, thanks to the popularity of lower-end Prosecco.
Now, let's get to the main event. I want to share with you nine English wines that have recently caught my attention. From still to sparkling, these wines have truly impressed my palate. Some may not be cheap, but that's just the nature of English wine. But don't worry, all of them are under £30.
First up, we have the Blueprint Dry White from Waitrose, made by Denbies, one of England's original wineries. This crisp and dry white wine offers a variety of fruity flavors, from Granny Smith apples to lemon and lychee, all for under £10.
Next, we have the Specially Selected English Pinot Noir & Précoce Rosé from Aldi, just in time for the warm weather. Made by Lyme Bay Winery in Devon, this rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir Précoce, a delicious and juicy mutation of its namesake.
If you're looking for something different, try the Rosé Pét Nat Brut from M&S. This naturally fizzy wine is a blend of cherry skin and wild strawberry flavors, and it's made using an ancient winemaking method that predates Champagne.
For those who prefer a more traditional sparkling wine, check out the Fitz Sparkling from Ocado. Made in the same way as Prosecco, this easy-drinking and creamy wine is full of tinned peach notes, making it a perfect alternative for Prosecco lovers.
If you're a fan of rosé, you must try the Irresistible Eight Acres Sparkling Rosé from Co-op. Made by Balfour Winery in Kent, this juicy and ripe wine is a blend of three Champagne grapes, with Chardonnay taking the lead to create a delightful strawberry and cream taste.
For a more complex sparkling wine, try the English Sparkling Classic Cuvée from Adnams. Made by Lyme Bay Winery, this wine undergoes two fermentations, just like Champagne, and is aged for 48 months, resulting in a delicious depth and complexity. It's like a freshly baked red apple pie in a bottle.
Now, let's not forget about Essex. The Lyme Bay Chardonnay from Majestic is proof that you shouldn't knock an Essex wine until you've tried it. Known as the "Burgundy of England," Essex has a warm growing season and produces high-quality wines. This wine is no exception, with its toasty and textured flavors, although it does come with a higher price tag, similar to Burgundy wines.
For those who prefer smaller bottles, the Rathfinny Estate Mini Cuvée from Harvey Nichols is the perfect option. This smaller format was created to cater to those who are drinking less but better. Made by Rathfinny Estate in East Sussex, this wine is full of Braeburn apple and hazelnut brittle flavors.
Last but certainly not least, we have the Louis Pommery England Brut from Tesco, made by one of Champagne's most prestigious houses. This wine is made using the same blend of grapes as their Champagne, and it rivals the taste of their own Champagne. It's dry, delicious, and has a touch of green apple and salted honey flavors.
In conclusion, English wine is on the rise, and these nine wines are just a small sample of the amazing wines being produced in the UK. So next time you're looking for a bottle of wine, don't forget to give English wine a try. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
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