Global Warming
One of the unexpected good side effects of “Global Warming” is the growing acceptance of English and Welsh wines.
Along with the increase in the warmer British summers over recent years, the home wine industry is thriving.
At the moment English and Welsh wine sales combined account for just 1% of the domestic market, but in recent years English sparkling wine is slowly but surely beginning to be recognized as among the best in its class, in fact one brand “Theale Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay 2003” beat off stiff competition from fine Champagnes and top sparkling wines to make it into the world’s Top Ten of Sparkling Wines.
An English wine, produced from vineyards in Kent.
At the last official count, there were over 350 vineyards producing wine throughout England and 17 in Wales.
English and Welsh wines should not be confused with “British Wines” these are wines produced from imported fermented grape juice or concentrate and so can originate from anywhere in the world, therefore not true home grown wines. And if you happen to be in India the term “English Wine” also refers to "Western spirits".
English and Welsh wines should not be confused with “British Wines” these are wines produced from imported fermented grape juice or concentrate and so can originate from anywhere in the world, therefore not true home grown wines. And if you happen to be in India the term “English Wine” also refers to "Western spirits".
English Sparkling wine
We have the Romans to thank for English and Welsh Wines as it was them that introduced it into the United Kingdom William the Conqueror mentions over 40 vineyards in the Domesday Book
Henry VIII recorded 139 vineyards and Henry being Henry took the best 11 and dedicated them to the monarchy.
Nowadays the largest vineyard in England is Denbies Wine Estate in surrey which has 265 acres
England also produces some very excellent sparkling wines, the best is without a doubt is Nyetimbers and when compared to the best French Champagne wins hands down.
W.B.Yeats wrote
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That’s all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.
Henry VIII recorded 139 vineyards and Henry being Henry took the best 11 and dedicated them to the monarchy.
Nowadays the largest vineyard in England is Denbies Wine Estate in surrey which has 265 acres
England also produces some very excellent sparkling wines, the best is without a doubt is Nyetimbers and when compared to the best French Champagne wins hands down.
W.B.Yeats wrote
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That’s all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.
English sparkling wine
Oz Clarke, wrote: "If someone wanted to make a Champagne look-alike, one of the most potentially successful sites would be in the counties of Kent and Sussex on the hills and slopes just above the English Channel".
To me, the finest of all the "English" sparkling wines has just got to be Nyetimbers "Classic Cuvee"
To me, the finest of all the "English" sparkling wines has just got to be Nyetimbers "Classic Cuvee"
Another quote
“Wine is bottled poetry.” Robert Louis Stevenson
If I were to pick six of the best in English wine producers I think it would have to be
If I were to pick six of the best in English wine producers I think it would have to be
- Nyetimber
- Ridgeview
- Curious Grape
- Three Choirs
- Davenport
- Denbies And of the Welsh wines
- PENARTH estate Pink Sparkling
- GLYNDWR Medium White Have to be among my favourites
A wine from a vineyard near my home in Sussex
After the 2nd, World War wine production in Britain practical came to a stop, but in 1945 Edward Hyams and Ray Barrington-Brock started trials of different grape varieties in their gardens and English wines began their comeback
The next 50 years saw a rapid rise in vineyards in both England and Wales to today’s wonderful Wines.
The next 50 years saw a rapid rise in vineyards in both England and Wales to today’s wonderful Wines.
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