England, although more famous for gin and beer, has been producing wine since Roman Imperial times (100 – 400 AD). Historically the country has not been known for the quality of its winemaking, inhibited by its northerly latitude and resulting cool Climate. However the last decade or so has seen considerable progress and expansion, and increases in planting of noble Grape varieties.
Significant chaptilzation to off-set the high Acidity of under-ripe grapes was once common practice but since the 1970s and particularly since the turn of the millennium natural sugar levels have increased in the Vineyard and wines have increased in quality and reputation.
The modern commercial English wine industry is often attributed to small experimental vineyards planted in the 1950s and 60s.
The lack of sunshine and colder temperatures inhibit ripening and fruit set has previously led to high acid levels and low yields. The climate is moderated by the Gulf Stream, a major Atlantic Ocean current that carries Warm water from the Caribbean to the Southern coasts of England and Wales. The Gulf Stream also helps moderate the climate of Bordeaux.
These conditions have led to Sparkling wines becoming the most prominent and commercially successful of English wines, some of which have been rated alongside those from better-known wine-producing countries such as France, Australia and New Zealand. The Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are particularly successful alongside sparkling wines carbonated through bottle fermentation in the méthode traditionnelle.
Geology also plays a key role in this emphasis. Many vineyards on chalk downlands in the southernmost counties of England lie on the same strata that dip under channel and resurface in Champagne.
Auxerrois is a white grape variety native to Lorraine, which is also found in Alsace and in the Loire Valley, where it took off in 1950. Its name comes from the nurseries in Auxerre where it found refuge during the Second World War. Often called Pinot Auxerrois, it is part of the Moselle, Alsace and Côtes-de-Toul AOC grape varieties. Auxerrois should not be confused with côt or malbec, which are red grape varieties from the Cahors region and which may bear the same name. The bunches of Auxerrois are of medium size with small berries. It is a semi-late grape variety whose buds only come out when temperatures are well above 10°C. Auxerrois wines are characterized by finesse and acidity and subtle aromas of exotic fruits, fruits and white flowers. In France, it represents 1,600 hectares of production and some small parcels of Auxerrois are also present in Luxembourg, Germany, Canada and South Africa (2,300 hectares in total).
sparkling wines from the region of England go well with generally quite well with dishes of shellfish, appetizers and snacks or lean fish such as recipes of raoul's bouillabaisse, palm trees for the aperitif! or cod coco à la samana (dominican republic).
On the nose in the region of England often reveals types of flavors of brioche, non oak or earth and sometimes also flavors of microbio, oak or tree fruit. In the mouth in the region of England is a powerful with a nice vivacity and a fine and pleasant bubble.
