English Wine Week 19-27 June
The notion of English wine may seem like a very recent phenomenon however the Romans introduced vineyards to England and there are 46vineyards referred to in the Domesday book in East Anglia and Somerset.
At the time of Henry VIII there were apparently 139 English vineyards
There was a decline from there until the 20thcentury when initially ‘British Wine’ was fashionable - usually produced from the rejected grapes of European producers, sent here on container ships, and made into wine in the kind of demijohns we remember sitting on top of our grandfather’s fridge as children.
It wasn’t until the turn of the millennium that English wine started to become well known, and another decade before they really started to stand out.
The climate here is better suited to white wine and sparkling seems to have become the standout star, comparing really well with Champagne in blind tastings.
Three Choirs vineyard in Newent, Gloucestershire is one of England’s oldest vineyards. Established in the 1970s they were one of the first to produce fantastic quality English wine of note in the early 2000s, their whites and sparkling are amongst our best sellers here at York Wines. It would appear its going to be pretty much a 'stay at home' summer this year with people holidaying in this country. What better than a glass of something English to sip at a picnic or barbecue with quiche and asparagus or strawberries and cream
Three Choirs Classic Cuvee, £16.95
A blend of 80% Seyval Blanc and 20% Pinot Noir, this is pale green with fine bubbles. Hints of green apples, redcurrants and nettles. It fits nicely into the gap between quality Prosecco and the realms of Champagne
Three Choirs English House Dry 2019, £9.25
Made from an exciting blend of Seyval Blanc, Reichtensteiner and Madelaine Angelvine this is fresh and tingly with hints of nettle and blackcurrant leaves, lemon and elderflower. A real refreshing alternative to Sauvignon
Three Choirs Willowbrook 2018, £9.75
Slightly off-dry, this unusual blend of Schonburger and Siegerrebe grapes is wonderfully aromatic with soft, yet spicy, fruit flavours