From BA First Class to Royal weddings, English Sparkling Wines are becoming more and more ubiquitous. You will probably recognise bottles from some of the larger English sparkling wine producers. One of the best-known is Nyetimber, based in West Sussex. Nyetimber was in fact founded by an American couple and was amongst the first to plant the ‘Champagne’ varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Their first sparkling wine was released in 1992. It is seen by many as the first major indication that English sparkling wine could rival Champagne. Apparently it is still drinking very well!. Today, Nyetimber is amongst the largest English sparkling wine producers. Their Classic Cuvee especially can frequently be seen in shops and restaurants.
Another well-known producer is Chapel Down, who are based in Kent. Chapel Down produce both still and sparkling wines. Their ‘Classic Brut’ is perhaps their best-known bottle and is similarly a mainstay in shops and restaurants. It is also featured at the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, where the victorious team are rewarded with a selection of Chapel Down Classic Brut Jeroboams!
A further well-known producer is Gusbourne, also based in Kent. Gusbourne also produces a range of still and sparkling wines, the latter of which are only produced in vintage years. This producer frequently wins national and international awards. In 2022, Gusbourne broke new ground by releasing their prestige cuvee, 51 Degrees North, which retails at £195, making it the most expensive bottle of English Sparkling Wine currently on the market.
Other English Sparkling Wines are available!
However, the number of new English Sparkling Wine producers is growing every year. While well-known brands such as Nyetimber and Chapel Down justly deserve their position, there are also many lesser known vineyards also making outstanding English Sparkling Wine. So don’t be afraid to seek out smaller, more unknown producers. At Grape Britannia, we’re always happy to suggest up and coming producers. Alternatively, if you discover a new bottle you fell in love with, we’d love to hear about it!
