The Essential Guide To English Wine

English wine has been gaining recognition in recent years, with its quality and reputation reaching new heights. The cool climate and chalky soil of England provide the perfect conditions for producing exceptional wines. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of English wine, exploring its history, regions, varietals, and the factors that make it stand out in the global wine market.

The Rise of English Wine

While England might not be the first country that comes to mind when we think of wine, its reputation has been steadily growing. The history of English wine stretches back to Roman times when vineyards were first established on the southern coast. However, it wasn't until the last few decades that significant progress was made in terms of quality and recognition.

The Essential Guide to English Wine

by Susie Barrie(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2297 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	85 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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English wine began gaining attention with the of sparkling wines, often compared to the famous Champagne region of France. The cool climate and chalky soils of southern England, particularly in regions like Kent and Sussex, provide the perfect terroir for producing crisp and elegant sparkling wines.

Exploring English Wine Regions

When it comes to English wine regions, there are several notable areas that have proven to be particularly successful. These regions, each with their unique characteristics, contribute to the diverse range of English wines available today.

Kent

Kent, also known as the "Garden of England," boasts stunning vineyards and has established itself as a leading region in English wine production. Its proximity to the coast and south-facing slopes create ideal conditions for growing grapes, resulting in exceptional sparkling wines and aromatic still white varieties.

Sussex

Sussex is another prime English wine region that has experienced tremendous growth. With its similar climate and soils to Champagne, it comes as no surprise that Sussex is renowned for its sparkling wines, often considered some of the best in the country.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, known for its picturesque landscapes, has recently emerged as a prominent wine region. Home to several boutique wineries, the region specializes in aromatic white wines and elegant sparkling options that showcase the unique character of the area.

Popular Varietals

English winemakers have been experimenting with a wide range of grape varieties, both traditional and international. While the climate favors cooler-climate grapes, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bacchus, other varieties like Pinot Meunier and Seyval Blanc have also been successful.

The diversity of grapes allows English winemakers to produce a variety of sparkling and still wines, each with its distinct flavor profile. From elegant sparkling rosés to refreshing white wines and even full-bodied reds, the English wine scene offers something for every palate.

The English Wine Tasting Experience

More and more people are now seeking out English wines to include in their wine-tasting experiences. Visiting English vineyards has become a popular activity, with many estates offering tours, tastings, and even accommodation for wine enthusiasts.

Exploring English wineries allows visitors to witness the breathtaking landscapes where the grapes are grown and learn about the meticulous wine-making process firsthand. From vineyard walks to guided tastings and pairing sessions, the experience is not to be missed.

The Future of English Wine

As the world continues to recognize the quality and potential of English wine, the industry is expanding rapidly. With the growth in popularity and investment, English winemakers are constantly pushing the boundaries and striving for excellence.

English wine is no longer just a novelty; it has firmly established itself as a serious contender on the global wine stage. The future looks bright for English wine, and we can't wait to see what the coming years hold for this exciting industry.

The Essential Guide to English Wine

by Susie Barrie(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2297 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	85 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A brand new guide to English wine has been released to coincide with English Wine Week (which runs from 26 May-3 June 2018).
Published by the International Wine & Food Society (IWFS),The Essential Guide to English Wine is written by Masters of Wine and award-winning authors Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, and edited by Susanna Forbes.
The pocket-sized monograph aims to make a virtue of concision. Its 72 pages nonetheless cover key aspects of English wine – from the history to modern developments via climate change, geology, grape varieties, viticulture, winemaking, recent vintages – while the core of the book profiles the country’s leading producers. Wine tourism has its own section (‘There’s never been a better time to visit English wine country,’ declare the authors),as does a listing of key overseas distributors to reflect the growing importance of exports. A map of the main wine regions, designed by Dr Alistair Nesbitt of Climate Wine Consulting, sits at the heart of the publication.
Barrie and Richards don’t shy away from knotty issues, like the risks associated with over-production, commercial viability, high production costs, unpredictable weather, ‘wildly fluctuating yields’ and even Brexit. The guide features input from the likes of champagne producer (and erstwhile Nyetimber consultant from the early days) Jean-Manuel Jacquinot, geologist Dr Alex Maltman, climate change and viticulture expert Dr Alistair Nesbitt and leading viticulturist Duncan McNeill. It also includes the new English wine projects by champagne houses Taittinger (Domaine Evremond) and Pommery (Louis Pommery England).