England
English wines are rapidly garnering attention and prestige in the global wine industry, thanks to the country's unique climate and geography, which create an environment conducive to producing an array of high-quality wines now recognised worldwide. One of the most renowned offerings in this budding industry is English sparkling wine, often compared to Champagne due to the striking similarities in both production methods and flavour profiles.
Terroir, the combination of climate, soil, and other environmental factors that contribute to a wine's character, plays a crucial role in English sparkling wine's close resemblance to its French counterpart. Much like the iconic champagne-making region in France, certain areas in England, such as the South Downs, Kent, and Sussex, boast a mix of chalky soils and cool, maritime climates that help generate crisp acidity and refreshing notes of citrus and green apple in their sparkling wines.
In addition to sparkling wine, England is also home to an impressive selection of high-quality still wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bacchus. Known for their bright acidity and fruit-forward flavours, these wines are further evidence of the significant impact of terroir on the eventual taste and quality of a wine.
Wineries such as Chapel Down, Nyetimber, and Wiston Estate are leading the charge in producing excellent English sparkling wines that are captivating the palates of wine enthusiasts across the globe. Typically, made using the traditional method, these sparklers benefit from the region's terroir, closely resembling the characteristics of Champagne. In recent years, this similarity and a growing concern for global warming has witnessed well-known Champagne houses buying up land in England. Bringing together hundreds of years of sparkling wine production with a new and exciting terroir that's gaining global interest.
As awareness and appreciation of English wines continue to grow, it is clear that the local terroir plays a pivotal role in these offerings' success, notably in the striking parallels between English sparkling wines and the iconic Champagne. As a result, wine lovers everywhere can now explore the unique wine that the rolling hills of England has to offer.
England
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England | 1 | 97 (DC) | د.إ1,145.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)Platinum Medal Winner 60% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier Bold and opulent, with a plush nose of cinnamon-coated baked apples, spun sugar, oats and custard, then a soft yet crisp palate revealing layers of intense apricot, red apple, nuts and toast. Still retains plenty of age-worthy freshness. |
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England | 2 | - | د.إ826.68 | |||||
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England | 1 | 94.0 | د.إ1,595.00 | |||||
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Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV is a magnificent exemplar of British viticulture. Acclaimed for its layered sophistication, this sparkling cuvee is meticulously handcrafted in Hampshire, at England's oldest commercial vineyard, Hambledon Vineyard, where tradition effortlessly combines with the latest winemaking technology. Comprising predominantly Chardonnay, with thoughtful drizzles of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV draws its distinct character from its terroir. Fermented at controlled temperatures followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle crafted in an exceptional base wine, resonating Hambledon's commitment to quality. The diligent stirring of lees, also known as 'bâtonnage', lends it an unparalleled richness and creamy texture, while an extended ageing period allows the wine to develop a well-rounded complexity. The final product is an elegant, golden-hued nectar boasting an intense, layered nose, a perfectly balanced palate, sublime depth and a persistent finish, establishing the Hambledon Premiere Cuvee Brut NV as a symbol of luxury in the quintessentially British wine realm. |
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England | 1 | 17+ (JR) | د.إ979.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17+)58% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 11% Pinot Meunier. Vintages: 70% 2014, 4% 2013, 6% 2011, 9% 2010, 10% 2009, 1% 2008. Four years on lees. Disgorged May 2019. Outstanding nose, with all the bready complexity of great sparkling. Saline and zippy, with excellent apple and lemon fruit on the palate. Not at all sharp, with excellent balance and flesh on the body. Mature, mushroomy character on the finish. Expertly done. (RH) |
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England | 7 | - | د.إ809.00 | |||||
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Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs 2015 is the first vintage of Rathfinny's premium Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier blend, produced from grapes grown and hand-harvested on Rathfinny Wine Estate. It has an enticing blush sets the scene for perfumed peony and wild strawberry on the nose, while on the palate, its rich mousse of raspberries and toasted almonds gives way to a caramelised red-apple finish.
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England | 3 | - | د.إ716.00 | |||||
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Rathfinny Rosé Brut 2016 is the second vintage of Rathfinny's flagship sparkling wine, with an expressive red-fruit style that beautifully showcases the increased presence of Pinot Noir within the blend. Vivid coral in hue, it has a lifted nose of wild strawberries and mandarin zest, giving way to a rich mousse of Rainier cherries and candied red apple skin, and a silky, strawberry shortcake finish.
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England | 1 | 17 (JR) | د.إ685.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17)Masses of fresh, ripe raspberry fruit beautifully balanced by meaty density and a tangy yet comforting breadth that reminds me a bit of rhubarb compote on challah toast. There's great substance and interest here – you could even pair this with rare beef or beef carpaccio without a problem. (TC) |
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England | 3 | 96 (FS) | د.إ1,205.00 | |||||
Falstaff (96)An intriguing mix of cream, vanilla and smoke makes for a dramatic opening. Creamy mousse defines the palate, expressing salty oyster shell and preserved lemon, shortbread richness and subtle saltiness. The smoky echo returns on the finish which is of pristine lemon expressing depth and soaring freshness in equal measure. The finish is pure and lasting. Lay this down and you will have treasure. Drink by 2035. |
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England | 1 | 95 (FS) | د.إ1,150.00 | |||||
Falstaff (95)Both orange peel and Red Delicious apple figure on the nose, alongside a subtle hint of fresh Viennoiserie that turns into shortcrust with more air. The palate strikes immediately with its effortlessness: there is that lovely balance between juicy freshness and mellow ripeness that you get in red apples. The slender body fizzes away with tiniest bubbles, lending creaminess and gentleness, expressing serenity, beauty and depth. Very elegant, lovely now, certain to evolve into a grandiose and gastronomic rosé. |
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England | 34 | 91 (VN) | د.إ1,110.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)The 2015 The Trouble With Dreams was tasted twice. The first, disgorged in April 2020, exhibited a little sweet botrytis that Sugrue advised might have originated from a warm night in October. A later disgorgement is more nervy on the nose, displaying a distinct sea spray/oyster shell influence that translates across onto the palate. Taut and more linear, it has a strictness and stoicism that I admire. Brisk and mouthwateringly saline on the aftertaste. Certainly the second disgorgement is superior. |
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England | 9 | - | د.إ1,205.00 | |||||
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England | 1 | 88 (VN) | د.إ1,825.00 | |||||
Vinous (88)The 2014 Rosé is two-thirds fermented and aged in oak barrels. Deep salmon in color, it has a rich, forward nose of peaches and cream, strawberry, beeswax and touches of white chocolate – all very enticing. The palate is rounded on the entry, with good acidity, though in the end this rosé just falls a little flat and lacks tension and energy. Not bad, but to be honest, I was expecting more. |
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