English Sparkling Wine
2015: Gold 5 Silver 7 Bronze 7 Commended 6
2014: Gold 3 Silver 2 Bronze 7 Commended 7
A category on a serious roll. As recently as 2013, UK fizz picked up only five medals, but there were 16 this year, with nearly as many Golds as for champagne. It is, perhaps, still a hand-sell, but there are signs that this is changing. And with new names (on this evidence) appearing every year, the future is genuinely exciting. Only one question: what to call it? Britpop? English? John Bull Sparkling? Answers on a postcard please…
FOOTNOTE: For English rosés, look in the Other Sparkling Rosé section.
From the Tasting Teams
‘We are a British restaurant, so instead of serving house champagne, we serve English sparkling wine. We try different ones and people react very well when you challenge them to try it instead of champagne.’ Gustavo Medina, Rex Whistler Restaurant
‘You need to have these wines by the glass, selling for £10 or £12, so that people can taste first, then they may move to a bottle.’ Xavier Rousset MS, Texture, 28º-50º
‘I’m a massive lover of English sparkling wine but it’s very difficult to sell in Scotland!’ Debbie Smith, 21212
‘English sparklings are still sommelier sells at the moment, but you need to offer good English sparkling wines alongside champagne and give customers the choice.’ Garreth Ferreira, Launceston Place
‘The price of English sparkling and champagne can be similar, so they need to be separated on the list so that the English sparkling has a place that gives it special attention. There are some very good wines and they are putting themselves at the same level as champagne.’ Caroline Brangé, 28º-50º Mayfair
‘[The Digby] had a nice luminosity and balance, a persistence and complexity of flavour. A very good benchmark for English sparkling wine, with the complexity you’d associate with champagne.’ Stuart Skea, Champany Inn & Wine Cellars
‘A good, fresh, crisp flight that would wake you up, with lovely fresh acidity.’ Xavier Rousset MS, Texture