English and Welsh Wine Styles
White, Red, Rosè, Sparkling and Dessert Wines From the UK
With the English Wine Week approaching, here is a quick guide to the latest trends in the increasingly successful British winemaking industry
There are 362 vineyards of varying size and 102 wineries (2005 count) in the United Kingdom. In 2006, collectively the British winemaking industry produced 2,691,200 bottles of white and 677,733 bottles of red wine.
English White Wine
Most English and Welsh wine production is still white wine, ranging in style from dry to medium. The current trend is for dry, but wines with some sweetness to balance the normally crisp acidy and lower alcohols produced by this northern climate make a delicious and refreshing drink.
Many different grape varieties produce these styles - either as a single varietal or as a blend - giving flavours that range from crisp and fresh, to aromatic and fruity.
English Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is increasingly popular the world over, and England and Wales are no exception. British Rosé wines are mainly just off dry in style, and are a perfect way to enjoy the summer!
English Red Wine
Only about twelve percent of Britain's total wine production is a red. English and Welsh red wines are light, elegant and fruity, best enjoyed white meats, pasta, salads and cheese. Production is increasing, as wines with lighter alcohol become more fashionable.
English Sparkling Wine
Sparkling is by far the most popular of the styles are available in the UK today, and is the fastest growing sector. English and Welsh sparkling wines are mainly white, but rosé and even red sparklers are now produced. All English and Welsh sparkling wines are produced by the traditional, bottle-fermented method, the same method that produces Champagne. In fact Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier represent collectively the widest planting in the UK.
English sparkling wines are made in several styles:
- using the classic Champagne varieties
- from other varieties with neutral flavours that then if it is from yeast lees ageing
- youthful sparkling made from more aromatic varieties.
English Dessert Wine
Though very little dessert wine is produced in the UK, it is well worth looking for. Dessert wines produced in the UK strike a delicate balance between luscious fruit, sweetness and cleansing acidity: a perfect pairing for some delicious British blue cheese.
Most Popular Grape Varieties in England and Wales
The most popular white grape varieties grown in the English and Welsh vineyards are Chardonnay, Bacchus, Huxelrebe, Müller-Thurgau, Ortega, Reichensteiner, Schönburger, Seyval Blanc and Siegerrebe. Red varieties are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Dornfelder and Rondo.
English Wine Week
The English Wine Week runs yearly in late May, and is a great opportunity to get to see local vineyards, offering exciting activities and special offers for the event.
Sources: English Wine Producers
