Keep hearing about English Wines? Maybe glancing at an article in the Sunday supplements about vineyards in the UK? Or have a relative who keeps talking about English wine but you don’t quite trust their judgement…Maybe you just find it a little confusing or like the idea of supporting local wine producers, but you don’t know where to start? Worse still, afraid those preconceptions of English wine being a bit ‘rubbish’ may well come true…. Well, fear not. If this is your first step into the world of English Wines, we’ve got the case for you. Our English Wine Starter Case contains our top picks that showcase the amazing British wines produced on your doorstep.
CUT TO THE CASE:
The English Vine starter case has been created by our talented bunch of misfits (aka the English Vine team) who have personally tasted each bottle to be sure that you will love them as much as we do. A case of six English wines, 3 whites, 1 rosé and 2 reds, there is something here for everyone. Here is the run down:
Number 1, Essex
Let’s start with Number 1, our very own white wine from Essex. Yes, that’s right. We are so confident in English Wines, we made our very own white (with more to come!). Our
Lyme Bay Shoreline, Devon
Next up we have Lyme Bay Shoreline. From Devon, this white wine is a blend of Bacchus, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Rechsteiner. Never heard of the majority of those grapes? Well do not worry, this English white wine is comparable to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, if you like Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, then you’ll love this. Refreshing and crisp with flavours of lemon, lime and pineapple this wine is perfect with seafood (especially fish and chips!).
Stopham Pinot Gris, Sussex
The third white wine is the Stopham Pinot Gris, from Sussex. You might have come across the Pinot Gris grape variety as it has several different names including Pinot Grigio which is commonly found in Italy. Our English Pinot Gris is an award winning wine and packed with fruity flavours of peach and pear. This juicy white wine is perfect with some spicy food (as we would say, a winner with a curry on a Friday night!).
Chapel Down Rosé, Kent
Chapel Down in Kent is one of the largest vineyards in the country and is a great place to explore the English rosé wines available. Their rosé is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Rondo. Everything about this rosé wine is typically English. The combination of a crisp rosé with balanced acidity makes this an instant hit with all who try it. Plenty of strawberries and cream! But then it gets better. Chill this down, pour it into one of our goblets, relax in the English Sunshine and it will make memories.
Sharpham Pinot Noir, Devon
Now when it comes to red wine you might think that England doesn’t produce any good reds However, we have been on the hunt for the best English reds we can find, and the Sharpham Pinot Noir is the perfect example of the brilliant cool climate light reds the UK can make. In fact, if you like a French Pinot Noir, then you'll love this. From Devon, this red is 100% Pinot Noir. With a gorgeous light ruby red colour this English red is full flavoured with juicy red berry flavours of strawberry and cherry. Who said red wine isn’t for garden time….
Winbirri Signature, Norfolk
The second English red wine is the Winbirri Signature. This is an exception to the rule that all English reds will be light in style. Produced in Norfolk, the wine maker Lee Dyer has expressed his fondness for the Rioja region with this wine by incorporating many of the wine making techniques that are used in the famous wine making region and so we have nicknamed this the Norfolk Rioja. Made from 100% Dornfelder, this red has spent 12 months ageing in the fermentation vessel, 18 months in American oak and a further 12 months in the bottle to finish. Richer and darker in colour than many English reds this wine has notes of plum, blackberries, coffee and hints of vanilla. It pairs perfectly with Sunday Roast or a Cheese course, but we think the true pairing is a Wispa chocolate bar (trust us, it is a match made in heaven!).
So, that’s it. Our top English Wine Picks all in one Starter Case. It’s a case The English Vine team thought long and hard about how to create. Just six bottles that showcase perfectly how far English Wines have come. We think we've nailed it, what do you reckon?
Find it here and save 20% + FREE DELIVERY.
Still want more? Here's a 60 second breakdown from Neil:
