England

England has rapidly established itself as one of the world's most exciting emerging wine regions, led by the remarkable rise of English Sparkling Wine. A cool climate, long growing season and chalk-rich soils in many of the finest vineyard areas provide excellent conditions for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, producing sparkling wines characterised by vibrant acidity, freshness and increasingly impressive complexity.

The chalk landscapes of Sussex, Kent and Hampshire have become the heartland of English sparkling wine, with producers such as Rathfinny, Everflyht and Balfour demonstrating the quality and diversity now being achieved. The story extends well beyond the south coast, however, with Saffron Grange in Essex, close to the Cambridgeshire border, producing elegant traditional method sparkling wines, including a particularly expressive Sparkling Rosé. The estate is also a wonderful place to visit, with vineyard tours, tastings and events offering the chance to discover English sparkling wine right where it is made.

From crisp, mineral Blanc de Blancs and structured Blanc de Noirs to elegant Rosé and classic cuvées, English sparkling wine has developed a distinctive identity of its own. Once regarded as an intriguing alternative to Champagne, England's finest sparkling wines now deserve recognition on their own merits.