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English sparkling wine
Photo: Jez Timms on Unsplash
English sparkling wine is a sparkling wine style known for green apple, citrus, brioche. Its best-known homes are Kent, Sussex, Hampshire.
Origin and history
The modern industry took off after Nyetimber planted Chardonnay and the Pinots in West Sussex in 1988; Christopher Merret described adding sugar to make wine sparkle in 1662.
Where it grows
Southern England, especially Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and Essex, often on chalk and greensand; Sussex has its own PDO.
Structure
Light to medium body, high, racy acidity and fine bubbles; mostly Brut, made largely by the traditional method from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: green apple, lemon, redcurrant and hedgerow fruit. With age: brioche, toast, honey and baked apple.
Ageing
Non-vintage within 2–5 years; top vintage cuvées can age 10 years or more.
Good to know
Champagne houses have invested here: Taittinger planted Domaine Evremond in Kent and Pommery partnered with Hattingley Valley in Hampshire.
Similar styles
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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