English Sparkling Wine
English Sparkling is one of the most exciting emerging new categories in the world of fine wine. Vineyards cover the length of the British Isles, but the highest quality sites are generally found in the south and south-east - the home counties and Cornwall. The classic grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) favoured by the Champenois are a natural fit for the cooler climate and there are distinct geological similarities between the soils of Kent and Sussex and the north-east of France.
A run of high profile victories in blind tastings in the mid-2000s sparked a quiet revolution in the wine trade and the interest of well known brands such as Moet et Chandon and Taittinger in purchasing British vineyards has only added to the buzz. Wineries range from well-funded, corporate-backed to plucky individuals with a passion for making great wine - vintage variation can be pronounced, but quality is high and the comparisons with Champagne are well earned.
