The best English wines: sparkling stars and still wines worth trying

Not so long ago, English wine was a bit of a joke. Today it’s one of the most exciting wine stories in the world. English sparkling wine regularly beats Champagne in blind tastings, top French Champagne houses have bought land in Kent, and still wines like Bacchus are winning fans of their own. If you haven’t tried English wine recently, you’re in for a treat.

Why England is so good at fizz

The south of England has a lot in common with the Champagne region, just a short hop across the Channel. Both have chalky soils, a cool climate and long growing seasons. That combination produces grapes with bright, crisp acidity, which is exactly what you want for great sparkling wine.

Most top English sparkling wine is made using the traditional method, the same way as Champagne, with the second fermentation happening in the bottle. The main grapes are the Champagne trio too: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

The key regions

• Sussex: home to Nyetimber, Rathfinny, Bolney and many others. Sussex now has its own protected designation.
• Kent: the “Garden of England”, where Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Balfour are based.
• Hampshire: chalky downland producing elegant wines, including Hambledon, one of England’s oldest commercial vineyards.
• Dorset and the South West: smaller but growing, with producers like Lyme Bay.

The English sparkling wines to know

Nyetimber is the pioneer. It was the first to plant only Champagne grapes in England and is still one of the best. Nyetimber Classic Cuvée is rich, toasty and beautifully balanced.

Chapel Down is England’s best-known wine brand. Chapel Down Brut is fresh, appley and great value for traditional-method fizz.

Gusbourne makes vintage wines with real finesse. Gusbourne Brut Reserve is one for special occasions.

Rathfinny in Sussex is a newer estate making precise, elegant wines. Try Rathfinny Classic Cuvée.

English sparkling rosé

English rosé fizz is often even more impressive than the white. The cool climate gives delicate red-berry fruit and refreshing acidity. Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé and Nyetimber Rosé are both stunning, and Balfour Leslie’s Reserve from Kent is another favourite.

Don’t overlook English still wine

England’s still wines are improving fast, especially whites. Bacchus is England’s signature still grape, and it’s brilliant: aromatic, zesty and elderflower-scented, a little like a Sauvignon Blanc with an English accent.

Chapel Down Bacchus is the benchmark, and Lyme Bay Bacchus from Devon is a lovely alternative. Chapel Down Flint Dry is a crisp, versatile blend that’s great with fish and chips. For something pink, Chapel Down English Rosé is light and summery.

Is English sparkling wine better than Champagne?

It’s different rather than better. English fizz tends to have a little more fresh, green-apple acidity, while Champagne often has more biscuity, toasty depth from longer ageing. At the top level, both are world-class. At similar prices, English sparkling wine often offers better value, especially compared with big-brand Champagne.

What to eat with English wine

• English sparkling: smoked salmon, fish and chips, oysters and soft cheeses.
• Sparkling rosé: strawberries, salmon and summer salads.
• Bacchus: goat’s cheese, asparagus and seafood.

FAQs

What is the best English sparkling wine?

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée is the classic benchmark, but Gusbourne, Rathfinny and Hambledon are all at the very top level.

Is English wine expensive?

Traditional-method sparkling wine takes years to make, so it’s rarely cheap. Still wines like Bacchus are much more affordable.

How should I serve English sparkling wine?

Well chilled, around 6–8°C, in a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute to let the aromas show. See our guide to serving fizz.

Explore the full range on our English sparkling wine list.