From classic favourites to low intervention newcomers, these are the best English sparkling wines to add to your cellar
Sit down, pour yourself a glass; we’re going to get stuck into one of Life’s Big Questions (for the English wine-curious, at least). What are the best English sparkling wines to buy at the moment? From the English sparkling wines rivalling champagne to what to crack open to impress your guests, here’s our pick of the best sparkling wines from UK vineyards.
The Top 5 English Sparkling Wines
Best English sparkling wine for…. Quality
NYETIMBER CLASSIC CUVÉE NV
Already a household name, Nyetimber’s Classic Cuvée NV is our choice for the best quality British sparkling wine. You can’t beat a classic: and made with estate-grown grapes in 640 acres of southern England vines, there’s a reason Nyetimber is giving winemakers of the world a run for their money. A signature blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier hits all the right notes. Stars in a bottle – and best served in the sunshine with freshly-caught scallops.
Best English sparkling wine for… Organic and sustainable credentials
OXNEY ESTATE NV
Love an under-the-radar find? Oxney Estate’s dry sparkling wine is the perfect match for you. Warming, toasty flavours give this small batch, Sussex-produced low-intervention wine a flair which will quickly elevate it to a cellar favourite. Best of all, its organic and environmentally-responsible practices have been given the stamp of approval by the Soil Association. Also in the category of must-try organic English ‘champagne’ alternatives is Albury’s Classic Cuvée. Watch this space.
Best rosé English sparkling wine
KINGSCOTE SPARKLING ROSÉ
Warm weather is the perfect climate for rosé, and what better excuse than a lazy summer afternoon in the garden to add a sparkle to yours? Our vote for the best rosé English sparkling wine goes to Kingscote’s sparkling rosé. A pinch at under £20 a bottle, it’s the ultimate long lunch companion.
Best English sparkling wine gift set
THE CHAMPAGNE BEATER CASE
Wondering what to gift the English sparkling wine enthusiast in your life? The Vine’s Champagne Beater Case is our own curation of English sparkling wines to impress, from established producers like Westwell Pelegrim (awarded the edge on champagne in our blind tasting) to the Hampshire-based Hambledon, and Nyetimber. Challenging the likes of Moet, Veuve Clicquot and Lanson, this edit of three bottles is the perfect introduction to English Sparkling wine for a champagne occasion. Just add it to a Christmas, birthday or Valentine’s Day.
Best English Sparkling wine for… value and quality
BOLNEY ESTATE BUBBLY BRUT
Celebrating the end of lockdown or just looking for an excuse to pop a cork? (We’re with you) whatever the champagne-worthy occasion, for under £25, Bolney Estate’s Bubbly Brut is a go to. Like the best party guests this accessible sparkling wine is well-balanced, with a softer, less acidic nature than some of its counterparts. Pair with an English cheese board and flavours of the season.
So there you have it. Whatever your fancy, these are all a must have in your fridge. Check out the full collection of our English sparkling wines here.
