England
Wine grape cultivation in the UK goes back to Roman times, but the cold, wet climate has always been a major hurdle to producing wines of significant quality. The English wine industry has undergone a sizeable revolution in the last forty years however, and England can now proudly claim to be a global contender, particularly when it comes to sparkling wine. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used to create bottle-fermented sparkling wines, made in the same way as those from Champagne. Good quality red, white and rose still wines are also emerging.
The best vineyards in England are in the southern counties, including Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and Cornwall. The chalky, limestone-rich soils and the warming effect of the Gulf Stream help ripen the grapes and develop natural sugars and acid. The recent succession of hot summers in Southern England has produced some stellar vintages, which have seen English wines beat many established countries in international competitions. The future is certainly rosy.
