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Introduction to English wines

By Chris Murphy

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Wine in England can be traced right back to the Romans, they brought wine over with them and they may have even introduced the vine to these shores. Certainly after the Norman Conquest wine was part of the culture of religious institutions across the land, with vines grown and wines made across the South of the country.

The recent revival, however, started after the the Second World War and came on in leaps and bounds in the seventies and eighties. The Southern part of England has the climatic conditions suitable for grape growing – and although it may feel a little cold, the result is actually positive for quality, for whilst sunny climates produce quantity, a cooler and longer ripening season is capable of giving rise to exceptional quality. This is particularly true of certain areas that have limestone soils, very similar to those in the Champagne region of Northern France, and that is why perhaps some of the very best English offerings are made by the same method as their French counterparts, winning awards for quality, not just here in the UK but internationally as well.

Many years ago I was asked by Jilly Goolden to be her co-judge for the English Vineyards Association annual awards. It was quite small and intimate, but great fun. The best wines were certainly showing great promise but it’s true to say that the quality discovered by my store wine buying team colleagues, Andy Howard and Sue Daniels, has come on in leaps and bounds and now stands comparison with the very best in the world.

We tasted through the M&S range and my personal favourites are list below. Cry ‘God for Harry, England and Saint George!’

 

Chapel Down English Rosé 2010 - Case of 6

Chapel Down English Rosé 2010 – case of 6, £65.94


From its pale salmon colour to its tangy flavours of red berries and orchard fruits, this is an elegant and balanced style of dry rosé with a hint of spice on the finish. I love the soft ripe strawberry character in the mid-palate of this appealing rose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapel Down English Sparkling Rosé Brut

Chapel Down English Sparkling Rosé Brut – case of 6, £132

A delicious English sparkling rosé with aromas of honeysuckle and wild summer berries, bBursting from the glass are fine persistent bubbles with a gentle hint of cream
A lovely pale coppery colour with gentle bubbles and clean refreshing style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ridgeview Marksman Sparkling 2008Ridgeview Marksman Sparkling 2008 – case of 6, £132

Complex flavours of red apple, exotic spice and brioche are underpinned by beautifully balanced acidity and a long, mouth-watering finish. An outstanding vintage sparkling wine from one of the England’s finest estates. This really is the real thing, a fabulous top-notch quality sparkling white that would hold its own against any the very best in the world!

 

 

 

 

Do you ever buy English wine? If so, do you have a favourite? I’d love to get your opinions on the matter, so please leave a comment below…

Category Food & Drink, Latest, Posted 6:47 pm, 18 April 2012

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