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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Amy Walker & Matt Drake

Inside UK's 'secret' vineyard that rivals one of the best wine regions in the world

While France has long been considered to have some of the best wine regions in the world, there's a new kid on the block - none other than Kent.

The 'Garden of England' county now boasts a similar climate to the famous Champagne region thanks to climbing temperatures.

Parts of southern England and Wales now experience the same temperature levels as Champagne did between 60 and 90 years ago, reports KentLive.

Coupled with its similar soil quality, it means Kent has become a perfect spot to produce French-style wines.

But, while a posh bottle of plonk could set you back well over £1,000 - depending on the vintage - Kent sparkling wine comes at a fraction of the cost.

Kent's climate and soil quality make it a perfect spot for wine production (PA)

Sparkling wine can only be sold as Champagne if it is made in the French region. But you can buy a bottle of Kent sparkling wine which is made via the same method for as little as £30 a bottle.

Ruth Simpson and her husband Charles are owners of Simpsons Wine Estate, located just outside Canterbury and twinned with Reims in the heart of Champagne. She told KentLive that the region has a lime-rich chalky soil that is very similar to France.

"One of the most important factors of growing wine is the terroir," she said. There is no direct translation from France, but terroir refers to a combination of several elements of wine growing, including temperature, climate, soil and composition.

Ruth Simpson and her husband Charles, who own Simpsons Wine Estate just outside Canterbury (Stratford Archive)

She added: "There's a chalk which is also not just similar but identical to the terroir in Champagne and also in Burgundy. That's why most of the vineyards are situated along the North Downs in Kent, through Sussex, Hampshire and to Dorset.

"People have been growing wine in England for years. But they have planted the Germanic varieties because the climate is so inclement. Whereas now people have very much made this switch to the Champagne variety, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir because those are the quality varieties that we can actually make really good sparkling wines and still wines from."

The early harvest at Chapel Down, England's largest winemaker's Kit's Coty vineyard in Kent (PA)

Ruth added that the expertise in growing has improved as well. England and Wales are now very successful wine producers and the British wine industry is seen as one of the most dynamic wine production areas in the world at the moment.

When asked if Kent's sparkling wine could rival Champagne's, Ruth replied: "Certainly, absolutely. Some still wines are even being likened to parts of Burgandy as well.

"But obviously these quality wines are not nearly as expensive. There are a lot of great, English artisan wines out there."

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