English sparkling wine: a mixed case offer

25 May 2022

The English sparkling wine renaissance

World-class sparkling wines made on English soil; over the last few decades, a wave of talented winemakers and wineries have been emerging in the south of England. In the southern counties of Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, the soils are part of a vast bed of Cretaceous chalk which extends underneath the Channel; it's the same seam of chalk that brings tense minerality to the wines of Sancerre and Champagne, and it's ideal for winemaking. And while it's no secret that England has a cool climate, drier, sunnier weather across the south is making quality viticulture easier. 

Cherie Spriggs of Nyetimber was voted Best Sparkling Winemaker in the world in 2018. The consistent quality of Nyetimber's wines is staggering and they have earned their status as one of England's top producers. Tony Milanowski, previously a lecturer at the prestigious school of winemaking, Plumpton College, is at the helm at Rathfinny Estate, who are among the finest producers in the south-downs. Rathfinny's wines are delicate, elegant, and offer superb value. Winemaker Charlie Holland (three-time winner of the IWSC English Wine Producer of the Year) and Chief Vineyard Manager Jon Pollard are the duo behind Gusbourne Estate in Kent. After their first release in 2010 brought them to critical acclaim they have continued to use low-intervention techniques and extended lees ageing to produce their intense and complex wines. 

This new wealth of talent has enabled the English wine industry to take advantage of the changing climate and transform the country into a quality-focused wine producing region to rival the best in the world. To help you enjoy the upcoming four-day weekend, we've put together a mixed case that showcases some of England's very best sparkling wines. /DS