Best English wines

Far from the days when they had to fight to get a mention among the European old guard, our homegrown wines have cultivated a serious sense of identity and charm.

While English wine is often associated with areas such as Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, the great British grape extends as far north as Yorkshire.

So what makes English wine so special? Charlie Holland, CEO and winemaker from the Gusborne Estate explains, "The rise of English wine in recent years has been nothing short of stratospheric and we have now emerged as a serious contender in the world of sparkling wine. There is a growing sense of confidence amongst our winemakers as they continue to gain experience and a better understanding of how best to handle our grapes.

Compared to many other wine growing regions, England has a relatively cool climate but also has one of the longest growing seasons in Europe. This means we are a able to fully develop flavour and complexity whilst retaining a greater level of freshness and vibrancy in our wines. It is rare that a brand new region producing wines of such quality arrives on the world wine scene, so this is a very exciting time for English winemakers."

From Champagne-quality fizz to stonking Chardonnay, here are some of the best English wines to get your local grape juices flowing.

With weather like this you could be forgiven for thinking you were in France, and this top-notch English sparkling could be straight out of a French vineyard. It’s 100% Chardonnay, made in Ashford, Kent using the Méthode Traditionelle so revered in the flagship French region. Biscuity, complex and big on flavour, when it comes to a celebration the only way is Sussex. Get it quick though, it’s a bit close to the Eurotunnel for our liking; take that Champagne.

£35 | Hawkins Bros | Buy it now

While Chardonnay has long shaken off its bad rep for those in the know, English Chardonnay hasn’t always hit the spot. Until now. This fantastic Kent number is as sophisticated as many of the Chablis the French can chuck across the Channel. Searingly fresh and citrusy, yet smooth and balanced. It’s time for English Chardonnay to shine!

£23 | Honest grapes | Buy it now

Bacchus might be the most common single varietal that we associate with English wine, but there is nothing common about this cracking wine from the premium Kit’s Coty Estate in Kent. While you might have tried some of the more ubiquitous Chapel Down fizzes, this delicate still wine really is a cut above the rest of the vineyard’s bottles. Citrus and green fruits with high acidity make this a great pairing with oily white fish; a perfect companion for long lazy sunny lunches.

£28.99 | Selfridges | Buy it now

It’s an exciting time for English wine that we have come to a point that to it wouldn’t be a round-up of English wines with a classic Nyetimber cuvée. This vineyard has been flying the flag for English wine for more than 25 years. Every bit the Champagne, from grapes to name, this premium fizz is as exciting as its French counterparts in every way.

That said, it has also become a bit of a name too, much like some of the Champagne brands across the Channel. A great choice for those still to be tempted away from Champagne, but not the only choice of premium fizz on the market anymore either. You can’t go wrong with this classic British cuvée.

£34.99 | Laithwaites | Buy it now

Peachy stone fruit flavours with a honey and pear finish, this is a soft floral fizz with rich complexity. With its English sweetness and creamy finish, it’s hard to imagine a more tennis-friendly tipple. With its all-red grape varieties (95% Pinot Noir), this is an unusual English fizz not to be overlooked. Not trying to be Champagne; it goes its own way.

£32.99 | Bolney Wine Estate | Buy it now

Floral with light vanilla notes and a dash of white pepper —summer in a glass. This is a belting Buckinghamshire rosė that holds it own with some of the more household English names. 100% Pinot Noir, this is a lively and expressive wine with a fun and flirty side. Get the party started with this gorgeous fizz.

£30 | Harrow and Hope | Buy it now

Ridgeview has become a stalwart on the English wine scene without selling out to the glitz and glam. Putting English grapes on the map, this is a classic cuvee with royal appeal — the Queen is even partial to a glass or two, so we hear. Citrus fruits with melon and honey topped up with toasty yeasty notes. Cheers to that!

£24.99 | Laithwaites | Buy it now

This gorgeous Ditchling, East Sussex fizz is the perfect way to start (or end!) a night. Toasty, under-ripe pineapple flavours give way to a creamy long finish. Made in the beautiful South Downs, this is a special occasion fizz for those wanting to venture outside of the usual suspects. Perfect seafood pairing — oyster us up!

£25.99 | Court Garden | Buy it now

English wine, but with a cool European edge. Swapping city for vines, winemaker Jacob Leadley retrained nine years ago to make wines in Hampshire.

Using the classic small batch method, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, creates a complex blend of raspberries and strawberries with a crisp finish. Loving the move away from cutesy labels too. Grape stuff!

£40 | Black Chalk | Buy it now

VERDICT:

If you are looking to impress a branded label type then the Nytiember is never going to see you wrong, but if you want the good grapes and more vine for your buck then the Gusbourne Brut is an out and out favourite. Be brave and try the Chardonnay too; a great boutique vineyard with a taste-first local approach that could even teach the French a thing or two.