Anyone who's been to a wine shop knows that English wine is not cheap. But why is that? After all, grapes are grapes, right? The answer, it turns out, has to do with both history and climate.
Historically, England was not known for producing great wines. In fact, English wine was often ridiculed by our continental neighbours. This began to change in the late 20th century as English winemakers began to experiment with new grape varieties and production techniques. British climate proved to be ideal for English vineyards growing certain types of grapes, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Despite this, English wine production and yield still doesn't compare to other major wine regions abroad. On top of this, wine production can also be time-consuming and labour intensive as grapes have to be picked by hand.
As demand for English wine and British Wine grew, so did prices. Today, premium English wines can command high prices, but there are also many more affordable options available. So if you're curious about English wine, check out our budget recommendations below and don't let the price tag deter you from giving it a try.
Are English Wines Any Good?
This is a question that wine lovers have been debating for years. Some say that English wines are among the best in the world, while others say that they're still not quite good enough to compete with the classics from France and Italy. There's no doubt that English wines and the English wine industry itself have come a long way in recent years, however.
English wines are starting to get a reputation for being pretty good. In the last few years, English wines have won some prestigious awards, including the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge. That's got to be saying something right?
While it's true that England has a relatively short history of wine production compared to other countries, its climate has grown similar to the Champagne region and well-suited to growing classic grape varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir.
So if you're looking for a delicious bottle of wine that's a little bit different, why not give an English wine a try? You might just be pleasantly surprised.
English Wines On A Budget
If you're still unsure but want to try an English Wine on a low budget, here are some lower-priced recommendations to get you started.
ALCHEMY ROSE SPARKLING ZERO ALCOHOL (From £7.19 per bottle)
One of our classic favourites and cheapest sparkling wines. This pink rosé wine defines maximum enjoyment and minimal guilt. As well as being zero-alcohol, it also has half the calories of an average glass of English sparkling wine. How can it get much better than that?
Bolney Estate Pinot Noir (From £21.95 Per Bottle)
Hailed as one of England's best wineries, Bolney produces a delicious Pinot Noir that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. The wine has a beautiful ruby color, and the nose is full of ripe fruit aromas.
DAVENPORT HORSMONDEN (From £17.09 Per Bottle)
Looking for a wine that's sure to please? DAVENPORT HORSMONDEN is a great choice. This fruity red wine has aromas of peach and floral notes making it perfect for sipping on its own or enjoying with food. Best of all, it's affordably priced, so you can stock up without breaking the bank. Cheers!
SIMPSONS GRAVEL CASTLE (From £16.19 Per Bottle)
We think this is the best chardonnay in the UK. You'll have to try a bottle to find out why. This award-winning smooth Chardonnay is a great choice. Enjoy the citrus and pear aromas with every sip.
NEW HALL BARONS RED (From £13.04 Per Bottle)
We think it's a red wine that pairs perfectly with chocolate. This premium wine is made from a rare blend of grape varietals, including Pinot Noir, Acolon and Rondo. The result is a full-bodied wine with subtle notes of oak and spice. So if you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your next meal without breaking the bank, be sure to pour yourself a glass of New Hall Baron Red.
We have more wines over at English Vine with many grape varietals for you to try like Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier. Whether it's white wine, rose wines, red wines, still wine or sparkling, we have you covered.
