Enjoy the Remainder of English Wine Week
English Wine Week – which is already in full swing and ends on Sunday, June 27 – puts English vineyards under the spotlight. For one whole week, the industry shares everything that is new and exciting in the world of English wine. Some vineyards throw open their doors to welcome the public, others offer promotions, and some launch brand new wines.
Top Three English Wines
Up until recently, it was English sparkling wine that was causing a sensation amongst wine lovers. Now, there is a thriving English still-wine industry and the top names to look out for are:
Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Chardonnay
This award winning wine combines aromas of cooked apples and toasted hazelnuts with a background note of butter. The note of butter makes it an excellent companion for brown-butter fish dishes as well as cream based chicken and grilled seafood. An excellent choice for long summer lunches.
Westwell Wines Naturally Petulant
Westwell is an established English wine brand and was taken over by former record label owner Adrian Pike in 2016. Under new management, the brand has taken on a new lease of life; beautifully hand-sketched labels on the bottles and traditional wine-making methods have been embraced. Their newest edition, Naturally Petulant, is English Pet Nat made from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier & Pinot Noir grapes, partially fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. A great wine to match with Thai Green Curry for those who enjoy zesty flavours.
Launched in 2019 and a complete sell-out success, Hattingley Still Rose returns again this year. A small but perfect harvest in 2020 has produced a rose that goes beautifully with Asian prawn salad, grilled meats and seafood. Drinkers can expect a pink salmon colour, aromas of fresh summer fruit and creamy notes. Dry, smooth with a delicate and vibrant acidity. An easy drink for summer barbecuing.
Wine and Cheese
Wine and cheese go hand in hand so what better excuse to stock up then English Wine Week. To go with some of the wines we’ve already mentioned, you might want to try some British cheese. The Northumberland Cheese Company produce an award winning Smoked Northumberland Cheese which would go very nicely with Chardonnay. Tunworth is a soft, creamy cheese from Hampshire which would go beautifully with the Pet Nat.
Serving your wine
Temperature is key when serving your wine, especially if it has been a considered purchase and the basis of your evening or day’s enjoyment. A wine cooler, especially in warmer months is the perfect place to keep your bottles, ready to enjoy. Also consider the flavours of your wine and pick nibbles that will complement them. For example, strawberries, raspberries and cherries would bring out the summer berry notes of the Rosé and snacks with lemon and chilli would go well with the Pet Nat.
Cheers!
Until next time…
Disclaimer: please drink responsibly.