Wines of England

English Wine Week taking place in June celebrates our thriving viticultural landscape so we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to explore some of the wonderful and diverse styles the country has to offer. Already well renowned for sparkling wine production, due to advancements in winemaking techniques and with the benefit of warmer Summers we are now in a 'golden age' for our white wine which is recognised for it's crisp refreshing acidity and often compared characteristically to sauvignon blanc or described as similar in style to wines from Chablis. For the same reasons red wine, once seen as a novelty or token gesture, is also increasing exponentially in quality with Pinot Noir leading the way alongside varieties such as Regent and Rondo.

It's with a red which we start our journey this month in Somerset. Situated near the Mendips, Aldwick Estate has been family run for 5 generations and today sits at 11 acres producing fantastic red, white and sparkling wines.
Vineyards in Great Britain? English red wine that's actually really good? Pigs might fly! Well at Aldwick Estate they really do. Aldwick Estate 'Flying Pig' is a triumph of English red and is a blend of Pinot Noir and Regent giving soft,  fruity aromas of cherry, plum and strawberry with herbaceous hints and a juicy finish. Reminscent of a young unoaked Sangiovese and with relatively low alcohol levels, this wine pairs well with lighter dishes and benefits from being slightly chilled.

From one of Somerset’s hidden gems, Leonora’s 2022 is a beautiful expression of English white wine — graceful, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant. Produced by the family-run Oatley Vineyards, this wine captures the essence of a small-batch, single-vineyard approach with real heart and precision.

Made with the rare Kernling grape, a variety related to Riesling and shares it's aging potential. Pale and glinting in the glass, it opens with soft aromas of elderflower, green apple, and citrus blossom, touched by a gentle herbal lift. On the palate, it’s clean and vibrant, offering delicate flavours of pear, lime zest, and white peach, with a subtle mineral edge that lingers on a crisp, dry finish

Ideal as an aperitif or paired with fresh seafood, garden greens, or a sunny afternoon, Leonora’s 2022 is a quiet reminder that sometimes, the most memorable wines come from just down the road. 

Peacefully nestled in the lush picturesque patchwork of the South Staffordshire countryside, Pattingham Vineyard's English wines are the result of a passion for creativity, the great outdoors and a love of wine. The twelve-acre vineyard sits on south-facing slopes, natural spring water and free-draining sandy topsoil, providing perfect conditions for vines to flourish. Any fans of sauvignon blanc or verdejo will be sure to love their wonderfully crisp, refreshing and fruity white Solaris. Perfect with seafood , salads or simply a bit of sunshine...

Woodchester Valley Vineyard is a family-owned boutique winery and estate located in the Cotswolds. In 2007 they planted a single acre of vines on their Amberley site, which today has grown into a total of 45 acres under vine in Amberley, Woodchester and Doverow Hill. Their sites in the Stroud valleys grow ten different grape varieties to make a range of still white, rose and sparkling wines.

The estate is also home to the Orpheus Roman pavement. This world famous attraction features some 2,200 square foot of mosaic floor that was once the centre piece for a Roman palace, dated around 200-400 AD. Theories suggest it was located here because the site is conveniently between Cirencester, once the local capital, and Caerleon, the Roman military base in south Wales.

Woodchester Valley Vineyard can trace its winemaking history at their Stonehouse site on Doverow Hill back to 1086, when two vineyards were mentioned in the Domesday book. 

This month we feature two estate wines and begin with their excellent Bacchus which is beautifully aromatic with heady notes of elderflower, fresh cut grass, lime leaf & passionfruit. The palate has vibrant, ripe citrus flavours with a touch of gooseberry on the finish. Brilliantly balances zippy acidity & terrific length.

Also From Woodchester we have their flagship 'Cotswold Classic' which is a moreish blend of Seyval and Pinot Blanc which has spent 18 month son the lees. A delicious crowd pleaser, ,the nose shows the most wonderful baked apple & brioche aromas with a touch of lemon peel. The palate is well-balanced with ripe apple pie flavours combined with citrus notes. It has a touch of salinity and a long, complex and satisfying finish. 

This month we complete the case with another beautiful and very seasonal sparkling wine from Pattingham Vineyard. Their Sparkling Rose is the essence of Summer in every sip! A harmonious fusion of Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir Précoce elegantly crafted using the traditional method. 9 months tank ageing and 14 months bottle ageing on lees gives this lovely sparkler from the Midlands vibrant bubbles, ripe strawberry and citrus aroma. Redcurrants with a touch of brioche and a crisp finish. Enjoy!