UK sparkling wine, predominantly produced in England, is experiencing a significant transformation. An increase in vineyard area over the past few decades has led to a surge in the number and quality of producers, making the market more competitive than ever.
In January 2024, I attended a major tasting event at the Institute of Masters of Wine, where I sampled 53 wines selected by English wine expert Stephen Skelton, chosen based on their gold medals from competitions like WineGB, Decanter, and the IWSC. Below are some highlights from the tasting, presented alphabetically by winery.
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Ashling Park Cuvée NV England
12% alcohol. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Meunier. Powerful, lively, and toasty with broad flavors like citrus, green apple, and peach. Rating: 89/100 -
Balfour Winery Balfour Brut Rosé 2018 Kent, England
12% alcohol. 41% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay. Bright and pure with hints of cherry. Rating: 93/100 -
Breaky Bottom Cuvée Reynolds Stone 2010 Sussex, England
12% alcohol. An impactful blend of 70% Chardonnay and both Pinot varieties, characterized by intense acidity and lively limey fruit. Rating: 93/100 -
Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rosé Brut 2020 England
12.5% alcohol. 100% Pinot Noir. Linear and pure, with lovely fruit and citrus purity. Rating: 92/100 -
Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2018 England
12% alcohol. A blend composed of 60% Chardonnay, 28% Pinot Noir, and 12% Pinot Meunier. Bright and expressive with pear, citrus, and white peach. Rating: 91/100 -
Digby Fine English Vintage Reserve Brut 2013 England
12% alcohol. A blend of 65% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Meunier. Notable for its bright citrus, honey, and nuts. Rating: 92/100 -
Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018 England
12% alcohol. 100% Chardonnay, displaying complex, bold citrus flavors alongside well-integrated toasty notes. Rating: 94/100 -
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée NV England
12% alcohol. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, and 16% Pinot Meunier, characterized by subtle toast and good acidity. Rating: 93/100 -
Wiston Estate Library Collection Blanc de Blancs 2010 England
12% alcohol. Features refined toasty notes with great acidity and complexity, offering flavors of peach and lime. Rating: 93/100
This comprehensive tasting reflects the impressive strides being made in the UK sparkling wine industry, showcasing a vibrant array of options for wine lovers. For further information, visit the original tasting notes at Wineanorak.