Why English Sparkling Wine is the New Prosecco

With English wines winning awards left, right and centre, has the Prosecco bubble finally burst? Wine expert Tom Lloyd-Jones makes a compelling case for embracing homegrown fizz this Christmas

1. It’s made the same way as Champagne

Ever wondered why Prosecco is so much cheaper than Champagne? Mass-produced in vast stainless steel tanks in a fully automated process, it’s far from handcrafted or artisanal. Yes, it’s efficient but it’s a far cry from the romance of winemaking. English sparkling wine, on the other hand, is made the exact same way as Champagne, with the second fermentation (the one that gives the wine its delicious bubbles) taking place inside the bottle. This process takes much longer, and is much more expensive and laborious, but gives you a more sophisticated flavour.

2. It’s constantly evolving and getting tastier

Last year’s record-breaking summer led to a bumper harvest, with production up a whopping 150% on the previous year. Not only that, the warm weather allowed winemakers to experiment, with many creating their first-ever vintages of still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Warmer temperatures - South-East England has got 1.6°C warmer over the last 20 years - combined with ever-growing expertise and soaring levels of investment are all leading to wines that are getting tastier year on year.

3. You’re supporting local producers

Once considered slightly naff, English (and Welsh) wine can finally hold its own, with more vineyards and wineries opening every year. Last year alone 1.6 million vines were planted in the UK. This year that number is going to hit 3 million. It’s a huge success story, so champion homegrown talent by swerving the Prosecco in favour of some English plonk.

4. The experts rate it

English sparkling is now generally regarded by sommeliers as superior to both Prosecco and Cava. Even the big Champagne houses are getting in on the act - both Taittinger and Pomeroy have in recent years planted vines in southern England, a tacit acknowledgement that the future of sparkling wine lies right here.

5. It’s award-winning

Don’t just take our word for it - ever since 1997, when a bottle of Nyetimber left French judges scratching their heads as to what part of Champagne it came from, English sparkling wine has won countless accolades. From blind tastings to prestigious global competitions, English sparkling has caught the attention of the wine world. Just last year Ridgeview Winery in Sussex won the coveted IWC International Winemaker of the Year trophy.

6. Our vineyards have never been easier to visit

With over 600 vineyards across England and Wales, you’d be surprised just how close your nearest one is. And wine tourism is also flourishing, with companies like English Wine Adventures offering tours to award-winning vineyards, many of which have tapped into the growing market by opening restaurants, tasting rooms and even accommodation on site. And if you live in the South East you’re basically living in the UK’s equivalent of Napa Valley – with 75% of our vineyards just an hour from London.

7. We have the same growing conditions as Champagne

That’s right - not only do we have the same climate as the Champagne region had 30 years ago (rumour is leading winemakers in the Champagne region are worried about current increasing temperatures leading to falling levels of acidity, threatening their very livelihood), we also have the same soil. It’s known as Kimmeridgian soil - basically a unique layer of chalky limestone that pops up in some of the world’s truly great winemaking regions. Think Chablis, Sancerre, Champagne, as well as Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

8. It’s perfect for drinking now, or ageing

England’s temperate climate allows for a long growing season and our cooler temperatures mean that grapes grown here retain their acidity - crucial for giving English sparkling wine its zingy, refreshing sparkle. That elevated acidity also means that English sparkling wine is perfect for ageing. The punchy tartness allows even older wines to still taste as fresh and exciting as the day they were bottled, while the added time ageing in bottle allows for more complex flavours to develop.

Tom Lloyd-Jones is founder of English Wine Adventures. The company runs wine tours to the UK’s award-winning vineyards. To find out more, or to book a trip, visit www.englishwineadventures.com