England
English wines are rapidly garnering attention and prestige in the global wine industry, thanks to the country's unique climate and geography, which create an environment conducive to producing an array of high-quality wines now recognised worldwide. One of the most renowned offerings in this budding industry is English sparkling wine, often compared to Champagne due to the striking similarities in both production methods and flavour profiles.
Terroir, the combination of climate, soil, and other environmental factors that contribute to a wine's character, plays a crucial role in English sparkling wine's close resemblance to its French counterpart. Much like the iconic champagne-making region in France, certain areas in England, such as the South Downs, Kent, and Sussex, boast a mix of chalky soils and cool, maritime climates that help generate crisp acidity and refreshing notes of citrus and green apple in their sparkling wines.
In addition to sparkling wine, England is also home to an impressive selection of high-quality still wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bacchus. Known for their bright acidity and fruit-forward flavours, these wines are further evidence of the significant impact of terroir on the eventual taste and quality of a wine.
Wineries such as Chapel Down, Nyetimber, and Wiston Estate are leading the charge in producing excellent English sparkling wines that are captivating the palates of wine enthusiasts across the globe. Typically, made using the traditional method, these sparklers benefit from the region's terroir, closely resembling the characteristics of Champagne. In recent years, this similarity and a growing concern for global warming has witnessed well-known Champagne houses buying up land in England. Bringing together hundreds of years of sparkling wine production with a new and exciting terroir that's gaining global interest.
As awareness and appreciation of English wines continue to grow, it is clear that the local terroir plays a pivotal role in these offerings' success, notably in the striking parallels between English sparkling wines and the iconic Champagne. As a result, wine lovers everywhere can now explore the unique wine that the rolling hills of England has to offer.
England
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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England | 1 | 97 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€367.98 |
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Decanter (97)Platinum Medal Winner 60% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier Bold and opulent, with a plush nose of cinnamon-coated baked apples, spun sugar, oats and custard, then a soft yet crisp palate revealing layers of intense apricot, red apple, nuts and toast. Still retains plenty of age-worthy freshness. |
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England | 3 | 96 (FS) |
Inc. TAX
€388.21 |
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Falstaff (96)An intriguing mix of cream, vanilla and smoke makes for a dramatic opening. Creamy mousse defines the palate, expressing salty oyster shell and preserved lemon, shortbread richness and subtle saltiness. The smoky echo returns on the finish which is of pristine lemon expressing depth and soaring freshness in equal measure. The finish is pure and lasting. Lay this down and you will have treasure. Drink by 2035. |
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England | 1 | 91 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€394.21 |
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Vinous (91)The 2015 The Trouble With Dreams was tasted twice. The first, disgorged in April 2020, exhibited a little sweet botrytis that Sugrue advised might have originated from a warm night in October. A later disgorgement is more nervy on the nose, displaying a distinct sea spray/oyster shell influence that translates across onto the palate. Taut and more linear, it has a strictness and stoicism that I admire. Brisk and mouthwateringly saline on the aftertaste. Certainly the second disgorgement is superior. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
England | 1 | 97 (DC) |
In Bond
€288.00 |
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Decanter (97)Platinum Medal Winner 60% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier Bold and opulent, with a plush nose of cinnamon-coated baked apples, spun sugar, oats and custard, then a soft yet crisp palate revealing layers of intense apricot, red apple, nuts and toast. Still retains plenty of age-worthy freshness. |
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England | 3 | 96 (FS) |
In Bond
€305.00 |
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Falstaff (96)An intriguing mix of cream, vanilla and smoke makes for a dramatic opening. Creamy mousse defines the palate, expressing salty oyster shell and preserved lemon, shortbread richness and subtle saltiness. The smoky echo returns on the finish which is of pristine lemon expressing depth and soaring freshness in equal measure. The finish is pure and lasting. Lay this down and you will have treasure. Drink by 2035. |
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England | 1 | 91 (VN) |
In Bond
€310.00 |
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Vinous (91)The 2015 The Trouble With Dreams was tasted twice. The first, disgorged in April 2020, exhibited a little sweet botrytis that Sugrue advised might have originated from a warm night in October. A later disgorgement is more nervy on the nose, displaying a distinct sea spray/oyster shell influence that translates across onto the palate. Taut and more linear, it has a strictness and stoicism that I admire. Brisk and mouthwateringly saline on the aftertaste. Certainly the second disgorgement is superior. |