The UK’s First Urban Winery Has Now Got Its Own Vineyard

London Cru, the UK's first urban winery, has taken a bold leap forward by acquiring Foxhole Vineyard in West Sussex, situated just a stone's throw away from the renowned Bolney Estate. If you’re not familiar with London Cru, then let us recap their story so far because they’re doing some very exciting things in the world of UK wine.

Tucked away down a SW6 alleyway is an old Victorian warehouse. Once used for gin production, Cliff Roberson eyed it up for a new lease of life in 2013 and despite being in central London, it was to become the UK’s first urban winery. But that’s not the only thing making London Cru stand out…

With a focus on crafting top-quality still wines, London Cru sets itself apart from the rest of the UK's winemakers. While vineyards are sprouting up across the country and producing incredible fizz, few have this same unwavering dedication to still wines.

Whilst they have been using European grapes from the likes of Languedoc-Roussillon and Piedmont, this acquisition of Foxhole Vineyard lays down an ambitious marker as they aim to trail-blaze the quality and variety of still wines being produced in the UK – we love to see it!

Located less than 50 miles away from their urban winery, Foxhole Vineyard perfectly aligns with London Cru's innovative spirit. The vineyard boasts 20,000 vines, predominantly Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, accompanied by a small pocket of Bacchus. This idyllic vineyard, with its south-facing hillside offering stunning views of the South Downs, is a testament to London Cru's commitment to the mission.

By controlling every stage of production from grape to glass, London Cru and Head Winemaker Alex Hurley aims to create a homegrown and unique British winemaking experience to replicate English Sparkling Wine’s newfound place on the international stage.  Very exciting times indeed!

What Are The Best Wine Pairings for Fried Chicken?

Wine probably isn’t the first drink you think of when you think of fried chicken but those who’ve tried it know what a happy marriage it is. Fried chicken is cooked in different ways across the world, from Southern Fried style to Japanese Tempura style, and you can absolutely find the perfect wine for any fried chicken dish.

Sparkling wines effortlessly slice through oils and fats in the chicken, and those gorgeous bubbles refresh between each bite, but there are also still wines that work too! Let’s dive into the indulgent mix of fried chicken and wine...

CHAMPAGNE – for southern fried chicken

Les Pionniers Brut Champagne

A favourite of ours that we’ve mentioned on the podcast before, Champagne isn’t just for washing down the likes of caviar, it also goes incredibly well with fried chicken! You probably wouldn’t put this ‘high-low’ pairing together, but why the hell not, that’s what we say. Zesty acidity and fizzing bubbles cut through perfectly, and the brioche yeastiness pairs with the umami flavour nicely too. Fried chicken will carry intense flavours and spices, so don’t splash out on an expensive fizz – this Co-op sparkler (like most of their others) is incredibly good value with a gorgeous creamy structure.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.25

CAVA – for tempura style chicken

Sainsbury's Cava Brut

When it comes to pairing wine with fried chicken, there is absolutely no need to splash out. Good quality Cava is made using the same method as Champagne but instead used local grapes like Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo. You’ll find it’s packed full of zesty citrus, with a more savoury and tropical-led profile than something like Champagne. Its fresh, fruity and fizzy vibrance cleanses the palate wonderfully setting you up for another delicious bite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £6

PROSECCO – for spicier chicken

Graham Norton’s Own Prosecco DOC NV

Whether it’s buffalo wings, Nashville style, or Korean chicken, lots of fried chicken packs some heat, and so long as it’s not blow-your-head-off spice, bubbles with a touch of sweetness helps. Pick out a wonderfully light expression like this, and it’s gorgeously refreshing alongside a feast.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.2%
Find here: £12

RIESLING – for lighter chicken

Reichsrat von Buhl - Riesling Trocken 2021

We always look to off-dry Riesling when matching with difficult and intense dishes. Whatever the cuisine, Riesling is the reliable and adaptable all-rounder. Pick out a highly acidic and crisp German Riesling like this one to cut through grease and spice, providing bone-dry refreshment in between bites.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.95

Sauvignon Blanc – for traditional fried chicken

Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc

Loved around the world, a glass of Sauvignon tends to be pretty food-friendly and works particularly well with classic fried chicken. Those signature zesty, savoury, and herbaceous notes mirror the food, emphasising the citrus and herbs in the seasoning. Robust acidity refreshes the palate too, making Sauvignon Blanc a fantastic bubble-free alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.85

The right drinks accompaniment can truly make or break a meal, so check out other guides including Indian, Thai, Mexican and Sushi!

Is Lighter Rosé Better than Darker? With Recommendations!

What is Rosé?

Rosé sits somewhere between red and white wine, usually with red fruit flavours and notes of florality and citrus – though of course it varies! Celery, melon, rhubarb, they’re all common notes in Rosé too.

Where red wine ferments for weeks with red grape skins, Rosé only touches them for 2-20 hours. Thus, they are stained red but not completely! Any red grape can be used for this, but preferred varietals tend to be Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel. The main way Rosé is made is that during the maceration of the grapes, the skins from the red grapes sit within the juices and the longer they remain like that, the redder it becomes.

The less common method, the Saignée method, is to take the red wine-making process and bleed off a proportion of it before it’s had too much contact with the red grape skins. However, there is another way, and it’s probably the way most people assume it’s made…

It’s pretty much only the Champagne region that does this, but you can make Rosé by adding red wine into vats of white wine (usually only 5% red). They use reds from the south and whites from the north to create these blends of fine wine, but you’ll almost never find this method outside of Champagne.

Each winemaker can decide when to remove their wine from the red grape skins depending on what their aims are for the wine. But, with so many different shades of Rosé, is one better than the other?

Is lighter Rosé better than darker Rosé?

In a word, no. From super pale hues to salmon pink, right through to deep ruby, you will find quality Rosé throughout the Rosé rainbow. That’s not to say there isn’t a difference though. Generally speaking, lighter rosé is dryer and less sweet, whilst darker wines are sweeter and full-bodied – but this isn’t a hard and fast rule.

Several factors affect the colour. Some grapes used are simply darker than others, the time spent with the oak, and crucially, the amount of contact with the grape skins.

The idea that paler blends are better may have come about alongside the increased popularity of this dry Provence style, and the decreased interest in the old style, but with so much variation, you can’t judge a Rosé by the colour! You can by the taste however, and these are five examples that pass that particular test with flying pink colours!

5 bottles of Rosé to try

ARGENTINA

Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2019

Susana Balbo is an absolute legend of winemaking, becoming not just the first female winemaker in Argentina but creating one of the most respected wineries in the world. This Provencal-style Rosé has a terrific balance of zesty citrus and red berries, with a wonderfully elegant and delicate feel. The touch of acidity is very welcome too, and overall this is a seriously well-put-together, well-balanced Rosé.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £18.60

ITALY

Principato Pinot Grigio Rosato 2022

Italian Rosé, or ‘Rosato’ tends to provide fantastic value, case in point being this juicy and aromatic number from Lombardia. It’s noticeably crisp and refreshing, with delicious strawberry and white peach notes. Super drinkable with a moreish lightness, and perfect for those wanting to avoid overly sweet Rosé expressions.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8.50

SPAIN

Bodegas Ameztoi Txakoli de Getaria Rubentis Rosado 2022

This Basque Rosé is made using two grapes you won’t often see in Rosé, a half-and-half mix of Hondarribi Beltza and Hondarribi Zuri. A tasty food-friendly expression, behind that inviting pale pink hue are aromas of ripe red fruit with a familiar combination of citrus and floral notes. The fresh and fruity palate opens up to some zippy acidity and pleasant minerality that really is delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £14.80

PORTUGAL

Titan of Douro Reserve Rosé 2019

Rich with mouth-watering sweet peach and cherry, the burst of lemon and tang of raspberry offsets wonderfully well. There is even a touch of smoke and warmth that comes through, but it retains a complete vibrance and freshness. If you want to taste something a little different to your usual Rosé then this is most certainly it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £16.93

FRANCE

Marcel Martin La Jaglerie Rosé d'Anjou 2021

Red fruits and florality flood the nose of this Cabernet Franc/Grolleau French Rosé, which for this price point is a must. Hailing from the Loire region, the balance of French rose, strawberries, raspberries, and even subtle pastry notes is in perfect harmony. A benchmark fresh, medium dry and smooth French Rosé that will never disappoint.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £9.49

Rosé in the sun is unbeatable stuff, but if you’re cutting out the booze then check out these Stunning No-Lo Drinks for Summer!

Sip on the Go: Our Favourite Canned Wines for Any Occasion

Only a few years back, wines in cans were not very good. In fact, with the exception of the odd G&T, RTD (ready-to-drink) products all felt like they were still in development., but then it all changed!

Now, don’t get us wrong, you can still get a bit of a surprise during that first sip, so we are here to separate out the great from the not quite there yet. The cans listed below are all ready-to-drink wines that you can take with you knowing that when the time comes to open them up, you’re getting bottle-like quality. Just pull the ring-pull and relax!

Vinca

If you love organic wine, then Vinca is most certainly the place to go. Vinca prides itself on being as environmentally friendly as possible and it achieves this by sourcing wine produced only from organic grapes meaning that the wine is sustainably produced, alongside using cans made from up to 73% recycled aluminium. There are three wines in the collection, a lovely Provencal style Sicilian Rosé, a crisp, citrusy white and a juicy red. Vinca also sells fun can-sized cool bags, so you’ll always be able to pour a chilled wine this summer.

Size: 187ml
ABV: 12.5%-13.5%
Price: £20 for 6 cans

Vin Du Can

Vin Du Can offers three still wines and one fizz in their tasty collection. On the still wine front, there is a fruity Argentinian Malbec brimming with juicy red fruits, a moreish Provençal rosé and a crisp, French Sauvignon Blanc that goes down a treat. Each can has a really cute design and all three wines are well judged, fruity and will make a very decent sip during your summer picnic!

Size: 187ml
ABV: 12%-13%
Price: £30-£35 for 12 (Also in Sainsbury’s)

Canned Wine Co

Until recently, the limited demand for canned wine has meant the industry hasn’t bothered venturing outside of the most popular varietals. However, with quality, reputation and demand on the up, Canned Wine Co are one such company providing interesting single varietal, vintage, carefully sourced premium wines. Their classic selection is great, but it is the barrel-aged Verdejo, St Laurent and Viognier that we really felt stood out. Nom! Oh, and also check out their beautifully designed National Gallery versions!

Size: 200ml-250ml
ABV: Various
Price: From £16.50 for 3 cans

Banks Brothers

These are quite honestly some of the best wines in a can we have ever tasted. Initially focusing on South African wine, they’ve now spread their wings with a very appealing and wide-ranging portfolio of wines. The Grenache Blanc and Mourvèdre are especially delicious, so try and get your hands on a mixed set. In terms of canned wine, you can imagine this as fine canned wine and once you taste it, you’ll see why. The two brothers that run it are restauranters determined to bring premium wine to the canned space and fighting wine snobbery at the same time - here here!

Size: 250ml
ABV: Various
Price: From £18 for 3 cans

Atelier Mirabeau Pret-porter rosé to go

We love Mirabeau’s releases across the board, and this is a perfect example of easy drinking Provençal pink. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, all grown on sun-baked southern French clay and limestone soils for peak flavour. Ripe strawberries, juicy pear and jammy apricot flood the nose, and a fruity, crisp palate follow. Pair it with a strawberry tartlet at your next picnic and you won’t look back!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 13%
Price: £3.49

Kiss of Wine

Kiss of Wine is a fun brand that’s made it their mission to source great wines from small, independent winemakers and then use simple language and design to decorate their cans. For example, you will find ‘smooth’ Loire Valley Chardonnay, ‘zesty’ German Riesling, ‘chill’ Provencal Grenache Rosé and ‘crisp’ Loire Sauvignon Blanc. We were very taken with the Nebbiolo (nicknamed ‘feisty’) and soft, rounded Dolcetto (‘wild’) – two grapes we never thought we’d see in a canned wine but we’re sure glad we’ve found them! Everything about it is likeable so give it a try!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11.5%-15%
Price: £4.75-£5.95

Nice

Formed in 2019, Nice are a canned wine company that you might recognise. With their Sauvignon Blanc, Pale Rosé and Argentinian Malbec offering, they’ve become a recognisable and well respected brand in the space. The fruits feel light and natural whichever can you pick up, and as one of the mainstays on supermarket shelves, they’re a fantastic option representing great bang for buck. Check out the wine boxes on their website too!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11.5%-12%
Price: £2.65

The Uncommon

Not just a delicious go to canned wine, but an English one too (possible one of the only ones?). Celebrating the renowned English fizz that has picked up so many awards in recent years, Uncommon offer bubbly pinot noir rosé and bubbly white wine (Bacchus/Chardonnay), as well as spritzers which at a much lower percentage combine the signature wines with gorgeous botanicals like rose, lemon verbena and hawthorn. We adore that beautiful packaging too.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 11.5% (Spritzers 5.5%)
Price: 8 for £30-£46

The copper Crew

More utterly charming cans here from The Copper Crew, two friends who were fed up of seeing good wine wasted in opened bottles. Their winemaker in South Africa provides their core wines; a luxurious Merlot, a Provence style Rosé, a racy Chenin Blanc, and a zesty Sauvignon Blanc. The mixed box is a great place to start if you’re unsure because the standard is super high across the range.

Size: 250ml
ABV: Various
Price: 6 for £24.99

Next time you’re packing for a picnic, train journey or whenever you just fancy a glass of delicious wine, how about making it a can? If it’s cocktails you’re after instead, make sure you check out The Best Ready To Drink Cocktails!

How Long Does Alcohol Keep?

The shelf life of the half-finished bottles in your cupboard depends completely on the alcohol percentage, ingredients, and drink type. So, whatever leftover bottles you have sitting there, check in with us for how long each one will keep for because you may just be surprised!

General guidance for storing alcohol

Different drinks obviously vary in how long they last, but there are some general tips to follow.

Overall, drinks tend to be safe to drink as time goes on but gradually lose flavour. This will vary from bottle to bottle though, so just keep your nose peeled (if that’s a phrase) and see for yourself if the drink is still enjoyable. If there’s a considerable colour change, a strange smell or curdling then its drinking days are behind it!

Bottles are best kept upright and tightly sealed to minimise contact with air and should always avoid direct light and heat. If you want to be even more organised, it’s a good idea to write the opening date somewhere so you can check before revisiting. Also, smaller amounts of leftover liquid suffer at an exponential rate. Basically, decanting into smaller bottles will help any drink last longer and if there’s only a little left in the bottle, you’ve got less time to finish it before it deteriorates! The fuller the bottle the fuller the flavour!

How long does Gin last?

Pretty much, unless you leave an open bottle of gin in direct sunlight or right by a radiator, the higher-proof bottles have an indefinite shelf life once you open them.

Still though, the taste will gradually change as it reacts with oxygen in the air, and the botanicals will alter and diminish in intensity. You’ll notice this more if you have only a little gin left in the bottle, so try and finish off ‘the dregs’ ASAP. If stored properly, you shouldn’t notice a big drop off in quality if you finish them 1-2 years after opening.

In terms of flavoured gins, natural ingredients and sugars will be involved and they deteriorate at a faster rate so keep them refrigerated and aim to finish them within six months.

How long does Vodka last?

When it comes to preserving itself after opening, vodka is a hardy spirit. The taste is so mild with plain vodkas that there won’t be significant flavour loss, and it lasts for decades.

As with the gin however, as time goes on, the subtleties of the notes may suffer so if it’s a premium spirit, you’ll want to finish it within a few years from opening (although if it was that good in the first place that shouldn’t be a problem!).

Storing vodka in the freezer is probably the best way to preserve it, and because of the alcohol in it, it won’t actually freeze. Domestic freezers are too warm to freeze vodka and will actually create a more viscous texture which some people love.

Similar to gin, flavoured vodkas with those extra sugars have shorter shelf lives and the flavour will fade noticeably faster, so finish them within 18 months.

How long does Tequila last?

You can treat tequila in the same way as other distilled spirits. If it’s stored in sensible conditions then you’ve got a long time to finish the bottle. The flavours are likely to be stronger than that of a vodka, so you’ll still want to finish it within a couple of years, but it will take an awfully long time for any noticeable decrease in quality to appear.

How long does Baileys last?

Creamy liqueurs like Baileys and Advocaat are the subject of more debate than most drinks when it comes to how long they last, but they’re more resilient than you might think.

Baileys contains milk and a decent helping of sugar too, so the flavour will deteriorate much faster than a high-proof pure spirit. But according to Baileys official guidance, it lasts 2 years from the day of bottling if stored at a reasonable temperature. So we’d recommend finishing it within a year of getting it to enjoy optimum quality.

Something like Advocaat with eggs as well as milk involved will hold up worse and should be finished within 6 months of opening.

It’s not essential to store cream liqueurs like Baileys the fridge if you haven’t got any room, but it’s preferable. However, the most important thing is to avoid higher temperatures and sunlight so anywhere cool and dark will do the job.

If you know it’s been a while since you opened it then check for curdling before you swig and always resort to the use-by date brands print on bottle.

How long does Vermouth last?

Vermouths like Martini are fortified wines that oxidise quickly so once opened, store in the fridge and drink within a maximum of three months but ideally finish it within the first month.

After that point, there will be no harmful effects to you, but the taste will be pretty nasty. There’s no point ruining a cracking cocktail by adding a splash of fusty vermouth at the end!

Unopened vermouth is a very different story however and should be fine for up to two years as long as it’s kept in a cool temperature. Vermouth doesn’t age well so don’t think it’s getting better and better by letting it sit there.

How long does Rum last?

The pirate’s favourite is one of the most indestructible spirits. Even once opened, it’s perfectly safe sat in a cool, dark area for decades.

As with other high-proof spirits though, the more oxygen that reacts with the liquid the slighter changes that will happen over time so there’s nothing to gain by leaving it this long.   

Aim to polish it off before 2 years to guarantee full aroma and taste, but really there’s no rush.

How long does Malibu last?

You’ve probably guessed by now but rum liqueurs such as Malibu have a shorter shelf life, from six months to two years, as the flavour fades over time.

It isn’t essential but you should try to keep this in the fridge and keep an eye out for mould forming if it’s been a while.

How long does Port last?

Both Ruby and LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) port and pretty much all forms of fortified wine stay drinkable for up to two weeks after opening, but it’s a race against time from the minute it’s open and it wouldn’t be unusual to notice a drop off in quality after only a couple of days.

Tawny ports generally last longer (up to two months) while vintage ones should be supped within a couple of days. It’s best to pop it in the fridge to optimise longevity, but if it’s getting towards the three-month mark then you’ll almost certainly sense a vinegary taste.

How long does Whisky & Brandy last?

Unopened bottles of whisky and brandy last indefinitely if sealed properly and kept in a cool, dark place. Unlike wine, its maturing stops once bottled so you won’t notice more flavour but at the same time, it won’t degrade.

Once opened, they remain hardy because of the high alcohol percentage but the nuances in aroma and flavour may change and gradually fade after two years, though it’s completely safe to drink way beyond that point.

How long does White Wine last?

Wine is probably the most talked about drink in terms of the question, ‘how long does it last?’

A lot of that is because opinion differs so follow your nose! Generally though, white is at its absolute best from the moment it’s open and you should aim to finish it within 24 hours. Until two days after opening, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice much difference and even after one week, it should be fine to enjoy.

Storing the bottle in the fridge is best practice, ideally with its original stopper. It’s worth mentioning that although the acerbic taste will develop as time goes on, it’s not dangerous to drink in anyway.

Unopened bottles of white are generally best drunk within a year of purchase but vary from bottle to bottle. Even if the wine is 1 or 2 years beyond the printed expiration date, it’s well worth the sniff test because it’s probably still fine to sip on if it’s been stored sensibly!

If you’ve got some leftover wine that you think is beyond saving, then there’s lots you can do with it still! Our article here goes through those possibilities, and includes some basic preservation tips too!

How long does Red Wine last?

Generally speaking, there is little difference between how long white and red wines last compared to one another. Red wine oxidises at a slightly slower rate than white, but many prefer how white holds up in the days after opening so it’s down to personal preference.

Both should be refrigerated and tightly sealed, and you’ll find that most bottles of red are good for at least a couple of days but should be finished within 24 hours for the ultimate experience.

In terms of unopened bottles, most mass-produced reds are best drunk within five years but some can improve over time if stored in a dark, dry, cool spot. Many wines simply don’t have the structure for good aging, and most are best enjoyed shortly after buying.

How long does Sparkling Wine last?

Bottles of opened fizz last for up to three days if they’re sealed with a stopper in the fridge but once the cork pressure disappears, the fizz will very sadly fade away, although the flavour should be okay for a while longer.

Traditional method fizz like Champagne and Cava stay bubbly for longer than sparklers like Prosecco which can go flat within the day. Unfortunately, the whole ‘putting a spoon in the open bottle’ to keep the fizz is a myth, although some people swear by it so who knows!

Non-vintage fizz should still be cracked open within 3-4 years because even sealed, the flavour and effervescence will begin to falter.

 If you think you’ve missed the boat with your wines and that they’ve turned the corner, or you just absolutely hated a bottle on the first sip, then don’t pour it away! There’s so much that you can do with leftover wine so check out our guide here.

The English Sparkling Wines You Need to Try

If you haven’t embraced the flourishing world of English Sparkling Wine just yet, then English Wine Week is the perfect time to do so. Over the last decade, it has stormed past still wine in terms of reputation and quality, rivalling Champagnes on the international stage and becoming a mainstay of wine lists.

So, if you’ve been put off by the English fizz of old, then we’ve got just the bottles to show you what you’re missing!

Balfour M&S Lark Song English Rose

From renowned winery Balfour comes this English Rosé, a refreshingly dry bottle that’s half Pinot Noir, and half Pinot Meunier, Regent and Chardonnay. Ripe redcurrants and zesty lemon provide a sweetness with some subtle tang and juicy pears flesh out the taste nicely. Elegant beyond its price point.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £16

Folc Rosé

Without a doubt, this is an English Rosé that holds more than a candle to the Provence Rosé selection. Bursting with ripe strawberries and raspberries, the sweetness is balanced to perfection. Floral and citrus hints with touches of elderflower and lemon keep things interesting, and the mix of seven varietals is so expertly blended that it feels delicate, vibrant, and fresh. Self-assured and sublime.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £17.95

Fitz Sparkling NV

Now for something a bit different. English wines are generally made in the traditional method like Champagne and with great success too, but Fitz doesn’t follow this method. Rather than a deep, biscuity and dry taste, this a super fresh and fruity expression more reminiscent of an approachable everyday sipper. Notes of peach, honeysuckle and apple intertwine in this delicate and light wine that could easily become a favourite go-to for any or no occasion.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19

Silverhand Estate, Silver Reign Brut NV

The first release of Kent’s Silverhand Estate, this is a quintessential English fizzer made from Champagne varietals and by the Charmat method. Prosecco style with bright citrus and fresh orchard fruits, this really is an exceptional Champagne-rivalling liquid without the huge price tag.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.50

Lyme Bay Winery Brut Reserve

Down to Devon now, where Lyme Bay produced this fruit-forward blend of 6 different varietals including Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir. Made in the traditional method, the result is a tantalising mix of acidity, full and fresh flavour, and a delicate fruity mousse. Freshly cut grass notes intrigue the nose, before opening up to green apple, toast, and citrus notes as well as just a hint of flinty minerals. Fantastic whatever time of year, this is a benchmark English sparkler.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £21.99

Rathfinny Estate Blanc de Noirs 2018

Rathfinny is another Sussex winery taking its rightful place on wine lists across the country, making full use of its sunny south-facing slopes. Single-harvest Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier join for this delicious, rich expression offering notes of cherry, vanilla, and baked apple. Minerality and florality intertwine harmoniously and a really loveable character comes across in every sip. This would sing alongside some fruity desserts!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £38.75

Gusbourne Blanc De Blancs 2018

Gusbourne has been stacking up the awards for a while now and for a good reason. Their original Blanc de Blancs more than got people’s attention in 2010, and every release since has commanded justified excitement. This 2018 Vintage is plush with crisp green apple, citrus and buttery toasts, with an elegant and lingering minerality to fill out the profile. You’re paying a bit more than most, but this is a wine that completely lives up to those expectations. Serve alongside quality seafood for the perfect culinary experience.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £63.95

Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvée 2015

This widely loved family-owned winery in Hampshire has been industry acclaimed since its first release. As is Hattingley’s way, this is aged for 7 months in oak and a further 6 years on the lees creating dreamy depths of texture and toastiness. A blend of 50% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir and 16% Pinot Meunier, the balance of refreshing lightness and deep richness is magical. Honied nuts, brioche, creamy oak – it’s super premium English sparkling wine done perfectly.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.7%
Find here: £85

If you want to get up close and personal and see the English winemaking process from grape to glass, then check out these incredible Vineyard Tours!

The new face of English Wine: Silverhand Estate

With English Wine Week 2023 in full swing, we turn our attentions to a brand new English wine producer based in Kent who are doing things a little differently. Welcome to Silverhand Estate!

Who are Silverhand Estate?

If there were ever a sign that English wine and oenotourism is booming, then this is it. Officially the biggest wine project happening in Europe and the biggest organic wine project in the UK, Silverhand is part of the MDCV UK group who own various vineyards in Provence as well as England and its set to be a biggie.

Located in a properly ancient part of the country around Luddesdown in Kent, where there’s a 1000 year old court house and a house that belonged to William the Conqueror's brother on the vineyard site, Silverhand gets its name from the town’s namesake King Ludd, the founder of London and all round royal legend who lost his hand in battle. He was stripped of his battle rights until he was forged a hand made of silver and thus, Silverhand felt a fittingly royal name for the legacy that this English vineyard means to have. 

Big ambitions

Silverhand Winemaker

With 550 acres already under vine and another 300 to come, Silverhand’s output will be impressive with a million bottles slated to be sold by the end of 2026. A state of the art winery designed by Sir Norman Foster has been planned with a top end café-bar and restaurant on site too. While big does not always mean better in terms of wine however, it’s important to note that the team are setting an example by being organic and sustainable from scratch with their new winery being carbon neutral and producing biogas. Here are some of the things Silverhand are doing to minimise their impact on this area of outstanding natural beauty. 

Sustainable from scratch

Helena with the sustainability manager, William

The company’s existing mosaic of vineyards with their flinty chalk and clay soils are certified organic by Demeter and there’s a conservation team that works tirelessly across the estate throughout the year to ensure that the land gives back. In fact the biodiversity net gain in the area is already at +16%.

Dotted inbetween the vineyards are wild grasslands which are home to numerous wildflowers, flora and fauna. Working sheep graze between the vines and fertilise the soils and the hedgerows and bluebell woodlands are kept in place and maintained. Truffles are being planted beneath a swathe of trees to nourish the soil from within and there is also now a conservation programme for rare orchids that have been found by the hedgerows in the top fields. On the production side, the site composts organic waste, harvests rainwater and uses heat from natural sources, such as ground source heat pumps.

A new style of wine for England

What is currently setting Silverhand apart is a new style of wine they have produced which feels like a hybrid between Prosecco and Champagne or rather, traditional method, English sparkling wine. Their maiden release Silver Reign is a charmat method wine, aka the Prosecco method, where the bubbles are formed in a tank rather than in single bottles. Unlike Prosecco however, only the three Champagne varietals, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier are used in the blend, each grape is vinified separately before blending and there is lees ageing happening as well as 5% reserve wine to add complexity to the final wine. The result is a sparkling that has much of the complexity and toasty notes of Champagne, is less sweet than your average Prosecco on the market but with added fruitiness, verve and freshness. At a retail price point of £17 (though it will be launched in the on trade first), it really feels like a game changer for the industry.

Silver Reign English Charmat

Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier
12.5% ABV and Vegan
13 g/l Residual sugar (NB extra dry Prosecco is between 12 and 17%) and 4.6 Tartaric Acid
3 months on lees in tank
Note: Nose of elderflower, white hedgerow flowers, pear and apricot. citrus and ripe stone fruit. Filled with citrus, fresh pear and cut apple flavours, and best enjoyed at any time.
£17 from thewinecaverns.co.uk 

However, it is not just charmat  / tank method wines that the estate produces; later this year will see the release of a vintage blanc de blancs wine and a Chardonnay dominant Brut NV wine.  There are also some other exciting developments on the way, but we’ll all just have to wait and see what those are…. Watch this space!

Words by Helena Nicklin

The Best Places To Drink English Sparkling Wine

Happy English Wine Week! Now in times gone by, this might not have been much of an occasion but with English fizz’s staggering rise in quality, popularity, and reputation, it is well worth getting out there and enjoying a glass. But where?

Well, for pretty much wherever you’re based, we’ve got a stellar establishment that’s championing fantastic fizz made right here in the rolling fields of England.

VINEYARDS

All over!

Now we’re not revealing anything too shocking here, but the best place to enjoy English sparkling wine is straight from the source, by visiting one of our many superb vineyards putting English fizz on the global stage. Getting up close and personal with the process from grape to glass is a special experience and it helps that they’re in glorious surroundings too. Check out the link below to find the best vineyard tours near you (and if you’re in the South West, you’re spoilt for choice!).

Find our guide here

LONDON

Oxeye Restaurant

Whilst it might not the cheapest option to sip on English fizz, Oxeye Restaurant in central London is a stunning establishment built around the very best of British ingredients. English bubbles dominated the huge wine list, from Nyetimber’s luxury Tillington, to Blackbook’s super silky Pinot Noir. When it comes to a premium dining experience to celebrate British food and wine, Oxeye is a treat you’ll never forget.

Find the website here

The George

Sister to the adored Cadogan Arms in Chelsea is The George, inhabiting a site that has hosted a pub since the 18th century. Stylish wherever you look, it’s upstairs that we’re interested in because it’s there that you’ll find it’s very own English Sparkling Wine bar. When the Wine List’s subheadings are, ‘London/Hampshire/Kent/Devon/East Sussex/West Sussex/Costwolds/Dorset’, you know you’ve got a great selection on your hands. If you want insight as you sip, keep your eyes peeled for their regular English wine tastings too!

Find the website here

The Coral Room

This beautiful, opulent bar sits in the heart of Bloomsbury, boasting striking art deco décor and a grand salon-style central bar from which you can order a superb selection of English sparklers. Curated by Master of Wine Anne McHale and sorted by county of origin, there are some 50 bottles to pick from, with house favourite being Ridgeview’s Bloomsbury Cuvee NV. Every style is represented here from award-winning Champagne varieties to quirky grapes you might never have tried, and there’s no better surroundings to sip them in.

Find the website here

MANCHESTER

Salut Wines

Like many others in Manchester, Salut is a wine shop doubling up as a dine-in venue. Slap bang in the city centre, over 400 bottles of wine surrounding you as well as a tapas restaurant, including stunning English Classic Cuvee from both Hambledon and Rathfinny. There’re also tapas if you like, stunning surroundings and all kinds of further afield wines from the familiar to the unusual.

Find the website here

NORFOLK

The White Horse

Coming in at Number 34 in the prestigious Estrella Top 50 Gastropubs list is The White Horse along the stunning marshes of Brancaster Staithe, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Top-notch gastropubs like this now rival swanky restaurants for their wine selections, and The White Horse provide a trio of English stunners from the masters at Nyetimber. Classic Cuvee NV, Rose NV, and Blanc de Blancs all feature, as well as locally made Cobble Hill Bacchus. English fizz and incredible seafood – what a pairing.

Find the website here

CORNWALL

The Idle Rocks

Cornish wine continues to go from strength to strength, and where better to celebrate it than the gorgeous coastal town of St Mawes where boutique hotel and restaurant The Idle Rocks sits. A personification of waterside comfort, the wine list is varied with options from across the globe, but it’s the Cornish and English Sparkling Wine Section that caught our eye. Again, Nyetimber provides tasty options alongside Knightor’s Classic Cuvée Brut and Sugrue’s The Trouble With Dreams. The wine list not only pairs with the dishes on offer but is also entirely sustainable – bravo!

Find the website here

BRIGHTON & HOVE

etch. By Steven Edwards

Winner of MasterChef the Professionals, Steven Edwards’s first restaurant, Etch in Hove showcases English wine’s cream of the crop brilliantly. Stocking wines from all over the South-East, there are dry Whites like Davenoport’s Horsmonden and Tickerage’s Chardonnay, but it’s the sparkling wine section that really celebrates the English Wine Revolution. Nyetimber, Wiston, Ridgeview, Rathfinny, Tickerage, Hoffman & Rathbone, Westwell... if you’re anywhere near Hove then this is the place to be.

Find the website here

If you want to get closer to England’s beautiful wines, then there are some incredible Winery Tours available here! Or, if you’d rather sip at home then these our are recommended bottles!