Vintage and NV: Some wines display a vintage year, revealing the year of grape harvest. Non-vintage (NV) wines, on the other hand, blend multiple years to ensure a consistent flavour profile. NV doesn't indicate lower quality; it's a technique to achieve a specific taste style.
Grapes Decoded: Single grape varieties like Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, or blends, are revealed on labels, giving insight into the wine's flavour. For traditional sparkling wine like Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes are commonly used to create those delightful bubbles.
English Varietal Recommendations: For an authentic taste of English wine, seek these varieties: Bacchus: A white wine with vibrant, aromatic notes. English Rosé: Often made from Pinot Noir or other red varieties, offering floral and fruity flavours. English Pinot Noir: A red wine known for its elegance and red berry notes. Chardonnay: A versatile white grape producing complex and well-balanced wines. English Sparkling: Typically made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, showcasing England's prowess in sparkling wines.
Origin Matters: Only wines produced from grapes grown in England can be labelled as "English Wine." Specific regions like "Kent" or "South Downs" pinpoint the grape's origin.
Power Gauge: Alcohol percentage indicates light sips (low) or bold flavours (high).
Winemaker Whispers: Expect flavours and aromas described by the winemaker.
Green Credentials: Seek organic or biodynamic labels for eco-friendly sips. Organic wines use natural, eco-friendly farming methods. Biodynamic wines embrace a holistic, nature-aligned approach, like planting and harvesting in rhythm with lunar cycles.
Additive Alerts: Some labels mention additives like "Contains Sulphites." Sulphites help preserve the wine but can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals, causing headaches or other reactions.
Serve Right: Labels guide you on ideal temps and food pairings. For English wine varieties, chill a crisp Bacchus or a floral English Rosé to 45-50°F (7-10°C), while letting a robust English Pinot Noir or a complex Chardonnay shine at 55-60°F (13-16°C). For sparkling wines, including English Sparkling, aim for a cooler 40-45°F (4-7°C) to enhance those effervescent bubbles.
Armed with this cheat sheet, unravelling English wine labels becomes a breeze. Sip, savour, and enjoy your newfound expertise!
Cheers!
Some suggestions for some wines to try can be found here
We will continue tasting and reporting :)
And, of course, if you want to do some #englishwine tasting, English Wine Escapes offer fantastic tours from London, including bespoke tours to cater to your specific interests. Explore our wine tours.
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