Celebrate English Wine Week: Local Wine Heroes

2 Min Read
Celebrate English Wine Week: Local Wine Heroes
Hey, wine experts and casual sippers alike! Buckle up because English Wine Week is rolling in on the 15th of June, and it’s time to give a massive shoutout to the stellar wines coming straight from our own backyard. This week-long bash is all about tipping our hats to the finest English wines, so let’s dive into the sparkling goodness and uncover why these homegrown gems are the talk of the town.

English Sparkling Wines: The Undisputed Champs 🌟
Forget what you know about sparkling wines, because English bubbles are here to dominate. With crisp, refreshing flavors and impeccable quality, these wines are setting new standards. Here are the heavy hitters you need to know:

Nyetimber: This brand is the OG of English sparkling wines. Spanning vineyards in Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent, Nyetimber delivers elegance and complexity in every sip.

Chapel Down: Situated in the heart of Kent, Chapel Down is synonymous with innovation and top-tier quality. Their sparkling wines are a testament to what English terroir can achieve.

Hambledon: Hailing from Hampshire, Hambledon’s vineyards thrive on the region’s ideal conditions, producing bubbles that are nothing short of extraordinary.

The Champagne Connection: Method to the Madness 🥂
Curious about what makes these English sparklers stand out? It’s all about the "methode champenoise," folks. This is the same traditional method used in Champagne, and it’s a game-changer. Here’s the lowdown:

Primary Fermentation: Grapes are transformed into a base wine.
Blending: Different base wines are expertly blended to craft the perfect flavor.
Secondary Fermentation: The blend is bottled with yeast and sugar, kicking off a second fermentation right in the bottle. This is where those lush bubbles are born.
Aging: The wine ages on the lees (dead yeast cells), developing richness and depth.
Disgorging: The lees are removed, the wine is topped up, and then corked, ready to dazzle your palate.
Even the French are taking note. In 2017, the prestigious Taittinger planted vines in Kent to create their own English sparkling wine, Domaine Evremond, due to debut in 2023. It’s the first time a grand champagne house has ventured onto English soil, and it’s a bold nod to the booming English wine scene.

Terroir: The Secret Sauce 🌱
So, what’s the magic behind English sparkling wines? It’s all in the terroir. Our vineyards boast chalky soils and a cool climate—prime conditions for growing grapes with high acidity and unique flavors. This combo results in sparkling wines that are sharp, zesty, and downright delicious.

Explore English Wine Tourism: Sip, Stay, and Play 🍾
Dreaming of a wine-fueled adventure? England’s wine tourism is on fire, offering the perfect blend of tasting and touring. Here’s where to head for an unforgettable vino experience:

Kent: Known as the "Garden of England," Kent is a must-visit for wine lovers. Check out Chapel Down or the upcoming Domaine Evremond for a taste of excellence.

Sussex: This region is a treasure trove of top-tier vineyards. Nyetimber and Ridgeview are just a couple of spots where you can sip and savor.

Hampshire: Hit up Hampshire for Hambledon’s stunning sparkling wines and the picturesque South Downs.

So there you have it, folks. English Wine Week is your golden ticket to discovering the best our vineyards have to offer. Cheers to finding new favorites and celebrating the exceptional talent and terroir of English wines! 🍷🎉

Ready to dive in? Swing by The Bottle Club and stock up on the crème de la crème of English wines. Because let’s be real, life’s too short for boring booze. 🍾