5 English Wines To See You Through Summer

Sometimes, sticking to the classics – be it France, Spain, Italy, the USA, Australia or anywhere else like that – can get a bit samey. That’s not to say those regions don’t have more to discover in wine than anyone could possibly dream of, but it’s nice to go a bit further afield once in a while – or, in this case, a little bit nearer afield. English wine is a burgeoning market which barely existed at all mere decades ago. Now, we’re known for some truly fantastic wines (including some of the better sparkling wines in Europe) and are only thriving more and more as each harvest goes by. These are some of our favourites.

Chapel Down Flint Dry

As featured in last week’s Euro 2016 blogpost. Chapel Down is one of the country’s leading wine producers – if not the foremost of all – and their vineyards, located in Tenterden in Kent, offer up some of the best wines around. This Flint Dry is steely, flinty (obviously) and has a distinct mineral character. The finish is particularly strong and its dryness makes it perfect to drink on its own. £9.99 from Waitrose, too – a steal.

Hindleap Classic Cuvee 2010

Bluebell Vineyard, in Essex, specialises in their sparkling wines of all sorts. This one in particular is perhaps their finest: aromas of lemon, apple and citrus with a creamy texture and a lingering, toasty finish. It’s very summery, very light and very much worth the price tag. Farmdrop do it for £17.95.

English Heritage Strawberry Wine

Bit of an unusual one, this, but we English do other wines (that is, those made from fruits that aren’t grapes) better than anyone else. This, from the Lyme Bay Winery, has a perfectly light aroma and is incredibly easy on the palate. Good if you’re after something not too challenging but delicious nonetheless. £10.50 from English Heritage, who apparently make wines as well as run castles.

Horsmonden Dry White Wine

Davenport Vineyard in Rotherfield make this highly-acclaimed white wine, which is not too light, vibrant and has noticeable citrus aromas. Enjoy with a salad or some other light dish. £14.99 at Abel & Cole.

Bolney Estate Foxhole Rosé

A Pinot Noir-led wine from Bolney Estate in Sussex, with strawberry aromas and raspberry and pear flavours. Once again, perfect for a light summer dish and exclusive to Waitrose at £12.99. Get on it.


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