English Sparkling Wine

English sparkling wine is very much the UK answer to France’s Champagne – though it has a unique identity of its own.

One feature that English bubbly shares with Champagne is that it is made the same way– using the ‘Méthode Traditionelle’ or Champagne Method. What this means is that after the wine has gone through its initial fermentation (where the sugar in grape juice is turned to alcohol) it is given a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The carbon dioxide from this secondary fermentation is then trapped in the wine – ready to be released in those lovely fine bubbles you know and love.

Another similarity of English Sparkling wine to Champagne is that is usually made with the same grape varieties – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier.

Despite these similarities, English sparkling wine does have its own unique character. The climate in the south of England is cooler than in Champagne, allowing the grapes to stay on the vine for longer. This gives the wines a racy acidity (much sought after in sparkling wines) and a classic Granny Smith apple character.

Now widely recognised as a top-quality sparkling wine by sommeliers and Michelin-starred restaurants, English sparkling wine is a perfect choice for any celebration.

There’s no longer any question that English sparkling wine is up there with the world’s top bubblies. In fact, as far back as 2010, an English sparkling wine from the Ridgeview Estate took the top sparkling wine trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards – up against some of Champagnes finest producers.

Part of the reason why English sparkling wines are so good is that English producers have some great natural advantages.

Firstly, much of southern England has a landscape similar to Champagne. The chalky soils of Kent and Sussex, for example are ideal for growing the classic Champagne grapes (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier) – that are also used in the best English bubblies.

Secondly, England has an ideal climate for making high-quality sparkling wines. The cool climate in southern England allows the grapes to ripen slowly, developing complex aromas and flavours as well as a crisp acidity that is perfect for refreshing, mouthwatering sparkling wines. In fact, some have noted that the climate in southern England today is much like that of Champagne 20 or 30 years ago – before hot summers became more common.

English sparkling wine is not the same as Prosecco – for two reasons.

Firstly, it is made from different grapes. English sparkling wine is usually made from the classic Champagne varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier), while Prosecco is made from the Italian variety, Glera.

Secondly, English sparkling wine is made, like Champagne, by the Traditional Method. This means the secondary fermentation takes place in bottle, producing well integrated bubbles that are released in fine, steady streams. It can also produce characteristic secondary aromas of brioche and toast – giving the wine greater complexity.

Prosecco is made by the Tank Method – where the secondary fermentation takes place in a tank. This produces bubbles that are not quite as fine or long lasting. It also leads to fewer secondary flavours – resulting in a fresh fruit-forward wine.

Much like Champagne, English sparkling wine comes in different styles – depending on what grapes are used and how it is made. Here are some examples of different styles – and how you might expect them to taste.

• Blanc de Blancs – made purely from Chardonnay, a Blanc de Blancs will tend to be rich in character with a creamy texture. Expect lemon and peach flavours with palate cleansing freshness and minerality. ·  
  
• Brut Reserve – made with a subtle blend of all three Champagne grape varieties, a Brut Reserve is the calling card of the top English sparkling wine producer. Expect a beautiful balance of green apple and stone fruit flavours, with biscuity complexity.
• Blanc de Noirs – made from purely red grapes (Pinot Noir and Meunier) a Blanc de Noirs tends to be a softer style of English sparkling wine, with creamy peach and berry fruit, with notes of brioche and toast. ·
• Rosé – these pretty pink sparkling wines often offer some red fruit notes alongside the crisper citrus and stone fruit flavours. The best examples show notes of brioche and toasty complexity, too.
• Vintage vs Non-Vintage – it’s a common conception that vintage bubblies are better than non-vintage, but this is not always the case. Vintage English sparkling wines are usually selected from better years and are made for longer ageing. As a result, they may have more complex secondary flavours, and can develop wonderful honeyed notes. However, non-vintage English sparkling wines have much to offer. They are blended from different years to produce a balanced style – and can be very reliable if you find one you love. They can also contain some older ‘reserve’ wines – adding complexity as well as fresh fruit. It’s really a matter of taste – and occasion.

English sparkling wine is the perfect fizz to celebrate a really special occasion – treat it as you would a fine.

But it also pairs surprisingly with a wide variety of foods. Examples include:

• Canapés and light bites – such as smoked salmon blinis.
• Simple seafood dishes – such as oysters, or scallops and chorizo.
• Roast chicken – English sparkling wine will turn this classic into a feast. 
• Fish and chips – the perfect pairing of two English specialities.

Always serve English sparkling wine chilled, ideally between 8°C to 10°C – a few hours in the fridge or an hour on ice should do the trick.

Like Champagne, English sparkling wine is best served in flutes – tall slim glasses that allow your guests to appreciate the bubbles as they rise gracefully to the top. The narrow rim also helps guide the delicious aromas to your nose.