Next time you’re buying wine or ordering a bottle at a restaurant, refer to this Ideal Wine Company guide to the finest tipples from English vineyards.
From the rolling hills of Kent to the sun-drenched slopes of Sussex, English winemakers are creating remarkable wines that rival those from traditional wine regions. From the fine wine market to the collectors guide, these wines are creating waves and drawing the interest of wine enthusiasts, buyers, and sellers from the world over.
Ideal Wine helps you discover seven of the best contemporary English wines that showcase the country’s winemaking prowess.
Chapel Down Bacchus (Price: £15)
Chapel Down, one of England’s leading wine producers, is renowned for its remarkable white wine. Made from the aromatic Bacchus grape, this quintessential English still wine from Kent exhibits delicate notes of elderflower, citrus, and freshly cut grass. The crisp and refreshing white wine complements seafood dishes beautifully and makes for an ideal aperitif. The estate also offers vineyard experiences.
Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs (Price: £65)
Gusbourne Estate in Kent is renowned for its exceptional sparkling wines, and the Blanc de Blancs is the perfect special occasion luxury wine. Crafted exclusively from hand-selected Chardonnay grapes, this sparkling wine dazzles with its fine bubbles, elegant structure, smooth mouthfeel, and exquisite layers of lemon zest, green apple, and toasted brioche.
Ridgeview Cavendish (Price: £30.00)
Ridgeview Estate, nestled in the idyllic South Downs of Sussex, is celebrated for its traditional method sparkling wines. The Ridgeview Cavendish, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, boasts exceptionally fine bubbles, rich golden hues, and expressive aromas of red fruits. This well-balanced sparkling wine showcases the finesse of English sparkling wine production.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée (Price: £39.50)
One of England’s finest producers, Nyetimber produces exceptional sparkling wines. The Classic Cuvée is a multi-vintage blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, offering a palate of honeyed toast, citrus, and orchard fruits. With its refined mousse, vibrant acidity, and long finish, this award-winning English sparkling wine from West Sussex is a Nyetimber signature.
Hush Heath Manor Pinot Noir (Price: £23)
The Hush Heath Estate, in the heart of the Kent countryside, is known for its exceptional still wines. The Hush Heath Manor Pinot Noir has been getting better with each vintage in recent years. This medium-bodied red wine is quite like a classic Burgundy with its velvety texture, red berry aromas, and subtle hints of spice. It exhibits excellent balance and a long, smooth finish. Pairs well with roasted meats or earthy mushroom dishes.
Camel Valley Bacchus (Price: £17)
Camel Valley Vineyard, located in picturesque Cornwall, has gained recognition for its stellar Bacchus wines. These showcase the true potential of this grape variety, exuding vibrant aromas of tropical fruits and tangy elderflowers. With its bright grassy hue and crisp acidity, this fresh and fruity dry white wine is a perfect accompaniment to English summers and seafood feasts. It was a silver winner at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Bolney Estate Pinot Gris (Price: £22)
Nestled in the heart of Sussex, Bolney Estate is known for soft elegant wines, and the Pinot Gris is no exception. This medium-bodied white wine offers refreshing aromas of citrus fruits, pear, and honey and a balanced palate of stone fruit flavours and subtle spiciness. Great as an aperitif or with salmon and shellfish dishes, this velvety wine is an example of a superior Pinot Gris from the UK.
English wines sell at a fair price (buy from a good wine merchant!) and are not typically regarded as luxury drinks, but they have come a long way, establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the world of fine wines. From the crisp and aromatic Bacchus to the sparkling Cavendish NV, these wines represent the triumph of English winemaking.
