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.
Müller-Thurgau shows the character of its noble origins. This Swiss white grape variety is a cross between the royal madeleine and the riesling. The idea that the latter was crossed with the sylvaner is irrelevant. The variety can be recognized by its vigorous character and its semi-erect habit. Preferring rich soils and short prunings, the plant sees its buds open quite early. The buds are cottony and soft green in color. The slightly embossed and tormented blade, with 5 to 7 lobes, makes it possible to distinguish the adult leaves. The clusters appear compact, pyramidal or cylindrical in shape and small to medium in size. The flavour of the Müller-Turgau berries is reminiscent of Muscat. The juicy and crunchy pulp is revealed under a greyish skin. When ripe, the fruit has a mottled shell on a golden yellow background. Switzerland prefers to extract the juice from this variety. The wine made from it is rather heavy and does not keep well.
white wines from the region of England go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or vegetarian such as recipes of the tartiflette wrap, tuna sandwich or quiche with leeks and fresh salmon from flo.
