When planning your next event, choosing the right wine is a huge decision and one you want to make sure you get right. As we often think of still and sparkling wines coming from countries like France, Spain and South Africa, you might not have considered what’s right on your doorstep. English wines have been growing in variety and popularity over recent years and may be the perfect accompaniment for your next menu choice.

In celebration of English Wine Week in June, here is our guide to English wines, including a few recommendations from our bar manager, Kasean.

Types of English wine

English wine can be broadly categorised into two main types: still (or traditional) wine and sparkling wine. In addition to these two main categories, English wine can also be further divided into subcategories based on grape varieties, region, and production methods. Some English vineyards produce unique blends of grape varieties that are specific to their location, while others focus on producing single-varietal wines.

Still (traditional) wine

The more traditional type of wine, still wine is not carbonated and therefore doesn’t have any bubbles. Known for their crisp acidity, fruit-forward character, and distinctive terroir, English still wines are made using a range of grape varieties including Bacchus, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Bacchus is one of the most popular grapes to be used for English traditional wines as it offers citrus notes that pair well with seafood and spicy dishes. In contrast, Pinot Noir offers a more light and fruity red wine that goes well with meat dishes like roast chicken.

Sparkling wine

English sparkling wine is carbonated (i.e. has bubbles) and is often compared to champagne, thanks to their similar production method and high quality. In fact, many English sparkling wines have won awards in international competitions, beating out some of the most prestigious Champagne houses. One of the most famous English sparkling wines is Nyetimber, which is made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. It has a rich, biscuity flavour with hints of citrus and pairs well with seafood and light pasta dishes.

Other notable English sparkling wines include Ridgeview, which has won numerous awards for its Blanc de Blancs, and Camel Valley, which produces a range of sparkling wines using traditional Champagne methods.

What types of grapes are used in English wine?

English winemakers use a range of grape varieties to produce their wines, with some varieties being better suited to England's cooler climate and chalky soil than others. Here are some of the most commonly used grape varieties in English wine:

• Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety that is used to produce both still and sparkling wines in England and is known for its crisp, citrus and apple fruit flavours, and mineral notes.
• Pinot Noir is a red grape used in still and sparkling wines and has delicate aromas of red fruit, earthy notes, and silky tannins.
• Bacchus is a white grape that is one of the most popular choices in England. It’s a relatively new grape, created by crossing different grape varieties to produce a grape that is well-suited to England's cooler climate. Bacchus wines are known for their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and tropical fruit flavours.
• Pinot Meunier is a red grape that is commonly used in English sparkling wine. It is well-suited to England's cooler climate and can produce wines with a fine mousse, delicate red fruit aromas, and a crisp acidity.
• Pinot Blanc is a white grape used to produce still wines and is a mutation of Pinot Noir to offer citrus fruit flavours with floral notes. It’s less common compared to other grapes such as Chardonnay or Bacchus but still produces a wonderful, crisp wine.
• Pinot Gris is a white grape that is often made in a dry style still or sparkling wine, with little to no residual sugar. It is known for its rich texture, tropical fruit flavours, and spicy notes.
• Riesling is a white grape that produces a dry-style sparkling and still wine with a mineral character. In England, it makes a high acidity, floral aroma, and citrus fruit flavours.
• Ortega is a white grape that is widely planted in England and produces off-dry wines, with a touch of residual sugar. It is a cross between Muller-Thurgau and Siegerrebe and produces wines with crisp acidity, stone fruit flavours, and a floral character.

These grape varieties are just a small selection of the many different types of grapes used in English wine. English winemakers are constantly experimenting with new grape varieties and production techniques to produce exciting and innovative wines.

Where does English wine come from?

English wine comes from vineyards located throughout England. While wine has been produced in England since Roman times, the modern English wine industry began to take shape in the 1960s. Since then, the industry has grown rapidly with over 3,600 hectares of vines in England in 2022 according to WineGB now spread across the country, from Cornwall in the southwest to Yorkshire in the northeast.

The majority of English vineyards are located in the southern and southeastern parts of England, where the soil is chalky, making it ideal for growing grapes. Some of the most famous English wine regions include Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, and Cornwall.

In recent years, English winemakers have been experimenting with new grape varieties and production methods to push the boundaries of what is possible in English wine. This has led to the emergence of new wine regions and styles, such as sparkling wines made from Pinot Meunier and still wines made from Bacchus

What makes English wine unique?

English wine is becoming an increasingly popular choice and is very special for several reasons:

Unique climate and soil

A mix of high levels of rainfall, warm days and cold nights and a longer growing season (April to October) blend to make a unique yet ideal climate for growing grapes with a fresh and complex flavour. Combined with England’s chalky soil and greensand surfaces helps give English wines their unique character.

Quality production methods

Many English winemakers use traditional methods, such as hand-picking and gentle pressing, to ensure the highest quality grapes. This attention to detail extends to the wine-making process, where many producers use time-honoured techniques to produce exceptional wines.

Award-winning wines

Despite being a relatively young industry, English wines have already won numerous international awards and are increasingly being recognised as some of the best wines in the world. This is due to the high-quality grapes and production methods used by English winemakers.

Environmental sustainability

Many English vineyards are committed to environmental sustainability, using organic and biodynamic farming methods, and reducing their carbon footprint by sourcing locally and using renewable energy sources.

English wine at The Brewery

English sparkling wines can be crisp or tart, light or full-bodied, and include lively notes of lemon and citrus, or taste like apples and pears. Plus, depending on the wine-making methods, they may also have creamy and toasty characteristics.

Here at The Brewery, we carefully select all our wines, and when it comes to English wine, our bar manager Kasean recommends the Classic Cuvée Brut, Rathfinny Wine Estate, Sussex in England from 2017, and he says:

“This is the third vintage of their classic, ‘house-style’ Sussex sparkling, made in the traditional method from pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay grapes grown and hand-harvested on the Rathfinny wine estate. The taste is a perfect example of characteristics found in English sparkling wine and it has a terrific mixture of red apples, a little pear and a little spice. When it comes to food matches, seafood (both fish and shellfish) are excellent matches. In fact, the British staple of fish and chips is a fabulous match - the acidity and freshness of the Classic Cuvée Brut cut right through the grease!”

If you’re looking to host a corporate event with excellent food and drink, look no further than The Brewery. We’re committed to delivering an exceptional experience and can help you every step of the way to create an exceptional and delicious menu with an incredible wine pairing to suit any event. Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer.

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