English Wines To Try This summer
Wine has been made in England since before the Romans arrived, but it’s only very recently that its popularity has begun to soar. Grapes to look out for on English wine labels include bacchus, a German hybrid grape with flavours of elderflower and gooseberry, and ortega, an early ripening variety which can produce wonderful white wines with a spicy edge. Here Joseph Arthur, wine buying manager at Ocado, selects some of his favourite English wines currently having their moment in the sunshine.
NYETIMBER CLASSIC CUVÉE ENGLAND, £36.99
For nearly 20 years, Nyetimber has been at the forefront of the evolution of sparkling wine in England. This flagship cuvée is a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. It has a toasty and lightly spiced aroma with hints of honey and baked apples, and goes particularly well with smoked salmon. Try M&S Scottish Oak Smoked Salmon Slices.
LOUIS POMMERY ENGLAND BRUT, £39.99
Vranken Pommery was the first French champagne house to launch an English fizz. Using the traditional champagne method, this bubbly has a papale yellow straw colour, and is light and elegant in style. It’s gentle gooseberry undertones pair well with smoked food. Try Chika’s Sharing Bag Smoked Almonds.
CHAPEL DOWN FLINT DRY, £11.99
Fresh with zesty flavours and aromas of green apple, melon and elderflower, this is a great alternative to sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. Crisp and refreshing thanks to its acidity, this works well with a simple salty snack. Try Savoursmiths Desert Salt Luxury English Potato Crisps.
CHAPEL DOWN BACCHUS SPARKLING, £17.99
With the success of its award-winning Brut Sparkling, Chapel Down have launched a great value English bubbly. The lighter bubbles with hints of pineapple and elderflower make this a perfect summery sipping fizz. Match the acidity of this wine with the savoury flavours of prosciutto. Try Ocado Italian Prosciutto Crudo.
This M&S tipple is a great example of how English wine has moved on over the years. It’s a delicate salmon pink colour with flavours of raspberries, redcurrants and a touch of sage that could rival a rosé from Provence. Enjoy a glass when the sun shines with plump Sicilian nocellara olives. Try Unearthed Nocellara Olives.
Fancy learning more about wine? Check out this article for top tips on how to choose the best wines.