Retailer Majestic is marking the surge in popularity of English-produced wines with an array of quality tipples hitting the shelves. One-in-10 people chose to celebrate with English Fizz during the recent Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, so there’s never been a better time to explore all the wine that England has to offer.
Majestic’s master Of wine and buyer, Elizabeth Kelly, is a key champion of English wine helping to inform the industry on innovation and sustainability. She said: “We have a perfect climate for sparkling wines, as the cooler growing season helps to keep that zippy freshness in the wines.
"We’ve got those chalky soils, like Champagne, and some incredible winemaker expertise. Plus the grapes are very similar to those used world wide for incredible fizz. It’s a perfect mix”.
Majestic English sparkling wine sales have been growing at 56 per cent recently, so now is the perfect time to try one of the retailer’s top picks for summer 2022:
Chapel Down Sparkling Bacchus 2020/21, England (£17.99 Mix Six, £19.99 per bottle)
Softly sparkling, with a zippy freshness - it’s ideal as an aperitif on a hot, summer afternoon.
Nyetimber Rosé NV (£41.99 Mix Six, £46.99 per bottle)
Nyetimber is one of the leading names of English wine, with internationally acclaimed winemakers, Cherie and Brad, at the helm. This example shows exactly why — taking the runaway success of Sparkling Rosé and giving it a unique twist. Expect summer-fruit flavours with a creamy softness - incredible with a cream tea.
Chapel Down Rosé (£26.99 Mix Six, £29.99 per bottle)
The biggest, and for many, the best English producer. Chapel Down has been pushing boundaries in Kent for years, to international success. This crisp rosé is lusciously juicy — an unusual, but excellent choice, with barbequed mushrooms.
Balfour 1503 Brut (£19.99 Mix Six, £24.99 per bottle)
One of the new leading-lights of the English wine movement. Balfour has been gaining plaudits for its approachable, enjoyable styles. These wines are a true English masterpiece of freshness, baked apple character and a racy, indulgent finish.
Definition English Sparkling (£22.99 Mix Six, £27.99 per bottle)
The Definition range seeks to showcase the “world’s most iconic wine styles”. Twenty years ago, to have even thought of including an English wine in that category would have been laughable. Now, however, the wines have earned their place at the table - and this example has beautiful crisp acidity with a rich, nutty depth from additional bottle ageing. A serious wine, perfect for top-table celebrations.
Definition Sparkling Rosé (£23.99 Mix Six, £28.99 per bottle)
The Definition Sparkling Rosé showcases all that is exciting in this on-trend category. Like a berry compote, with a red apple twist - it’s light, refreshing and looks incredible on Instagram.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee (£36.99 Mix Six, £41.99 per bottle)
One of the most highly decorated, and universally loved, English Sparkling Wines. Nyetimber is now exported around the world - but still arguably tastes at its best in the country it grew up in. This is a rival to any big-name Champagne - and deserves appreciation in its own right for its beautiful brioche and crunchy green apple character.
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