December - English Wines

 

English Wines, Presented by: Jasia and Bill, December 2025.

This presentation on English wines was supposed to have been given by Keith Martin, a society member. Sadly he died suddenly a couple of months ago, so Bill and Jasia stepped in to the breach.

Most English wines are now sparkling, about 75% of production – which is pretty astonishing. Unfortunately, the prices of the sparkling wines did not allow such a tasting, so Bill and Jasia focused mainly on still wines, with one Sparkling. Wines from 8 different vinyards were presented, 1 sparkling, 3 white, 1 rose, 3 red. With almost all the typical English grape varieties represented.

The Wines:

Ridgeview Bloomsbury (NV) Chardonnay/Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier. 12.0%

               A very decent Methode Champagnois. – On offer at Witrose, £25. Normally >£30

The Society's English White (Three Choirs), 2024. 11.4%

A blend of 7 English grape varieties. Special blend for TWS. £9.95. Perfectly respectable.  

Chapel Down Bacchus, 2023 Bacchus 12.0%

Bacchus is the main English Still wine grape. £14 from Waitrose. Very nice. Certainly better than a cheap Sauvignon

Balfour 1503 Albariño 2023 Albariño 12.0%

Albarino, native to Galicia, but works well in the UK, needs to be late picked – as in early November! We sampled this one as part of the selection process, and was very nice but on the night, not great. £17, Majestic

Bolney Estate Rosé 11.5%

A very pleasant Rose, if a little “bubble gummy”. I liked it anyway. Grapes? We found 4 different descriptions on the website, so we don’t know.. £12 Waitrose (on offer)

New Hall Wine Estate, Barons Lane Red, 2022 Regent, Rondo and Acolon. 11.0%

Not for me. Thin. Acidic. Nasty. £15.50, Direct from Vineyard.

Biddenden Vinyards, Gribble Bridge Dornfelder, 2023 11.5%

Still quite a thin wine, but reasonable. Recommended by Jane McQuitty recently. Quite high volume at 80,000 bottles a year. £15.95 direct from the Vineyard.

Simpsons 'Rabbit Hole' Pinot Noir, 2023 Pinot Noir 13.5%

Very nice indeed. The Vineyard is right near Dover, so as close to the continent as possible. Note the Alcoholic strength. £25 TWS.