Celebrating English Wine Week: June 15 to 23

As the days grow longer and the sun graces our landscapes with its golden warmth, there’s no better time to raise a glass and toast to one of the most delightful and burgeoning industries in the UK: English wine. 

English Wine Week, celebrated from June 15 to 23, is a splendid occasion to explore and appreciate the incredible wines produced right here on our doorstep.

A Rich History and Promising Future

The history of English wine dates back to Roman times, but it’s in recent decades that our vineyards have truly flourished, garnering international acclaim. 

The chalky soils and temperate climate of regions such as Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire have proven ideal for viticulture, producing grapes of exceptional quality. English sparkling wines, in particular, have been lauded for their finesse and are often compared favourably with those from the Champagne region of France.

Events and Activities

English Wine Week offers a fantastic array of events and activities for both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers. Vineyards across the country open their doors for tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the winemaking process firsthand. Many offer guided walks through the vineyards, where you can see the vines in full bloom and perhaps even participate in a bit of grape pruning or harvesting.

Top Vineyards to Visit

1. Nyetimber, West Sussex: Known for its world-class sparkling wines, Nyetimber offers an exquisite tour that includes a visit to their 16th-century manor house and a tasting of their award-winning wines. https://nyetimber.com

2. Chapel Down, Kent: One of the UK’s most famous vineyards, Chapel Down offers a comprehensive tour that covers everything from grape to glass, ending with a tasting session in their elegant tasting room. https://chapeldown.com

3. Gusbourne, Kent: Renowned for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Gusbourne’s tour is an intimate experience that delves deep into the details of their winemaking philosophy. https://www.gusbourne.com

Supporting Local Winemakers

By choosing to celebrate English Wine Week, you are not only enjoying some of the finest wines available but also supporting local farmers and winemakers. The industry contributes significantly to the rural economy, providing jobs and sustaining traditional farming communities.

There are other English winemakers. Just Google English winemakers to check out what winemakers are near to you.

Pairing English Wine with Food

English wines are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. The crisp acidity and complex flavours of English sparkling wines make them perfect companions for seafood, particularly oysters and smoked salmon. Still whites like Bacchus and Chardonnay pair wonderfully with chicken dishes and creamy cheeses, while English reds, often made from Pinot Noir, complement roast lamb and mushroom-based dishes beautifully.

Conclusion

English Wine Week is a celebration of our country’s vinous achievements and a testament to the passion and dedication of our winemakers. Whether you’re visiting a vineyard, attending a tasting event, or simply enjoying a bottle at home, take a moment to savour the unique character and quality of English wine. Cheers to a week of discovery, enjoyment, and, of course, excellent wine!

A Rosy Summer With Codorníu

Sunshine, celebrations, and good times are with us. And Codorníu cava rosé is the ideal bottle to have on hand this Summer. The cavas in the Codorniu Rosé Collection take inspiration from the first cava signed by Josep Raventós, uniting tradition and innovation all in the same bottle.

These fruity cavas are characterised by fresh fragrance and a nice balance of flavours. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, taking advantage of the warm nights with friends, or relaxing at a picnic in the park, toast with Codorníu for a life in pink.

Codorníu Rosado Cava Brut NV

This sparkling wine is made using the traditional method, like Champagne, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. This gives the wine depth of flavour, elegance, and long-lasting, fine bubbles. A properly dry, pure, and bright Rosé fizz with aromas of raspberry and strawberry. Perfect with tapas, light salads or simply as an aperitif. The ideal accompaniment to a summer picnic.

Codorníu Rosado Cava Brut NV 75cl | Waitrose (waitrose.co.uk) £10.49

Codorníu Clasico Rosé

A cava with a fresh and fruity aroma, made from Monastrell, Grenache and Trepat varietals grown in the Catalan region, Penedés. Bright and deep pink with fine bubbles. Red fruit aromas, jams and cassis, and soft notes of pastries. Ideal as an aperitif or an accompaniment to fish, tapas, and other rice dishes.

Codorníu Classico Rosé 75cl | Ocado (Ocado.co.uk) £9.00

Ars Collecta Grand Rose Reserva

Spoil your dinner party guests with fine bubbles and a delicate crown. Intense aromas of raspberry, blackberry and strawberry intermingled with a light citrus aroma that enhances the previous ones and brings freshness. On the palate, the red fruit notes stand out, typical of the Pinot Noir variety.

An excellent accompaniment to gourmet appetisers or perfect with salmon

sashimi, sushi, carpaccio, or tartar.

Codorníu Ars Collecta Rosé 75cl | Vinissimus (https://www.vinissimus.co.uk/en) £24.65

Re-Energised Bolle Returns to the London Wine Fair With an Improved Low/no Wine Offer

Buoyed up by positive initial expert and consumer reactions NEW, improved Bolle will be hitting the alcohol free wine marketplace this Spring.  

Roberto Vanin, who is the founder of Bolle is again shifting the goalposts when it comes to revolutionising best-in-class, alcohol-free wines.  

After extensive trialling, (including buyer reviews, event tastings and awards panels) the Bolle team are convinced this new, improved offering will meet and even exceed the demanding taste aspirations of an increasingly influential low/no movement.

 For the most part, the UK's leading alcohol-free wines are produced via de-alcoholisation, a somewhat heavy-handed process which unwittingly and unfortunately removes not only the alcohol but also all of the volatile components that shape a wine's unique personality.   The result is a one-dimensional proposition devoid of depth and engaging taste, because incumbent low/no wine providers fill the resulting 'flavour void' with lazy juices, sugar and flavourings. 

Bolle's unique pathway opts instead to leverage game-changing Zero GradiTM technology to re-ferment the de-alcoholised wine, revitalising complex flavour and aroma profiles without alcohol.   

Bolle is a stylish sparkling wine with none of the taste compromises historically associated with the UK's low/no wine movement.  Bolle is committed to taking low/no wine in a new pure pleasure direction and was recently shortlisted at The World Innovation Awards.

To learn more visit Visit bolledrinks.com.

 

The Blue Nun Sparkling Gold ... For Life’s Golden Moments

It may be a little early for some, but the party season is just around the corner and that means plenty of sparkle and a glass or two of fizz! (EDITOR: Never too early for a bit of fizz!)

 

For all those celebrations and family get togethers, Blue Nun has released a new sparkling Gold Edition white wine, complete with distinctive fine flecks of delicate 22 carat gold leaf!

Designed with all the glitz and glamour of the party season in mind, the iconic brand, owned by Langguth Wines in Germany, has used their passion, heritage and expertise to create a delicate, subtle quality sparkling white wine with a lovely light fruitiness (alc 11.00%). 

Blue Nun has crafted the Gold Edition with a full, rounded flavour, this light and elegant style wine has the exciting addition of gold flecks to highlight the natural effervescence of sparkling white wine.

The Gold Edition is ideal as an aperitif or to accompany light bites and hors d’oevres so it’s well suited for the party season, special occasions, celebrations or just for fun!

Blue Nun Sparkling Gold Edition is priced at £6.99 per 75cl bottle and is available to buy on-line from www.drinks2home.co.uk. or   www.drinksdirect.co.uk

The Blue Nun Sparkling will also be available to buy at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC Birmingham which runs from 23-27^th November 2011, stand number U70.

(EDITOR: OK, some will say this is a gimmick.  All my wife and I know is that when we gently (VERY gently!) inverted the bottle and put it upright again, the flecks of genuine gold danced and shimmered in the light from our Christmas candles as they slowly fluttered down to the bottom of the bottle.

As for the taste? Absolutely gorgeous. It is not too dry, nor is it too sweet, it has a fruity and pleasing taste and it has just the right amount of bubbles. It is one of the nicest sparkling white wines of any type that we have ever tried. Getting some in for Christmas? At £6.99 a bottle? I should think so!)