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.
A relative of the Saint Pepin, this direct-producing hybrid is the result of an interspecific cross between 5656 Seibel and Ray d'Or (4986 Seibel) obtained in 1921 by the Seyve-Villard company, formerly based in Saint Vallier (Drôme). Seyval blanc is registered in the official catalogue of wine grape varieties, list A. It can be found in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, etc. It is practically non-existent in France and is in danger of disappearing.
That represents a 69% increase on the 5.5 million bottles sold in 2019, highlighting the exponential growth the industry has enjoyed in recent years. Brits account for 96% of the sales, but demand is increasing in export markets too. English and Welsh wines have proved particularly popular in Scandinavia, with exports to Norway rising by 85% year-on-year in 2021. In the UK, more than half of the sales are direct-to-consumer, either via the cellar door or a winery’s website. However, sales in sup ...
An indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services in the UK, the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 winners have been partially revealed, with more results to be announced tomorrow, 28th September. Challenges are simply part of the landscape for retailers these days, but there are those who are rising to these challenges in style. The UK wine retail scene has undergone huge changes in the last five years, and our evolving categories aim to reflec ...
Le Domaine Skincare features a serum, a cream, a fluid cream and a cleansing emulsion, all of which are vegan and suitable for all skin types. The products are made from organic matter that was previously discarded after the grapes had been pressed. Le Domaine Skincare’s packaging also includes recyclable glass bottles and jars, and reusable stoppers made of oak cut from the scraps of the vineyard’s wine barrels. ‘It is about imitating nature’s organic cycles, its original beauty,’ said Pitt, wh ...
