Wine Guy on Skye specialises in sourcing quality wines from England, from amazing sparkling wines, zesty and floral whites and high-end but affordable reds. But why has England suddenly risen to notoriety in the wine making world?
The south of England has emerged as a surprising and fruitful region for wine production in recent years, owing to a combination of favourable climate, evolving viticultural practices, and advancements in grape varieties. While traditionally known for its unpredictable weather and relatively cooler temperatures compared to renowned wine regions like Bordeaux or Napa Valley, the south of England has undergone a transformation, establishing itself as a promising hub for winemaking.
Here’s why the south of England is particularly conducive to growing wine grapes:
- Climate: The climate of the south of England has experienced a subtle but significant shift in recent years, largely attributed to global warming. This change has brought about milder winters, longer growing seasons, and warmer summers, creating conditions more favourable for grape cultivation. While still cooler than some traditional wine regions, this moderated climate is well-suited for the production of certain grape varieties, particularly those that thrive in cooler climates, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Bacchus.
- Soil Composition: The south of England boasts a diverse range of soil types, including chalk, clay, and limestone, which are reminiscent of the soils found in renowned wine regions like Champagne and Burgundy. These soils offer excellent drainage properties and impart distinctive mineral characteristics to the grapes, contributing to the complexity and terroir of the wines produced in the region.
- Advancements in Viticulture: Technological advancements and improvements in viticultural practices have played a crucial role in enhancing grape quality and wine production in the south of England. Growers have adopted innovative techniques such as canopy management, precision irrigation, and disease control measures to optimize grape ripening and minimize risks associated with the region’s climate variability.
- Grape Varieties: The selection of grape varieties cultivated in the south of England has evolved to accommodate the region’s unique climate and terroir. While traditional varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are widely grown, there has been a growing emphasis on experimenting with new and hybrid grape varieties that are better suited to cooler climates. Varieties such as Bacchus, Ortega, and Seyval Blanc have shown particular promise in producing high-quality wines with distinctive English character.
- Investment and Expertise: The burgeoning English wine industry has attracted significant investment and expertise in recent years, contributing to its growth and success. Established wine producers and enthusiastic newcomers alike have recognized the potential of the south of England as a premium wine-growing region and have been willing to invest in vineyard expansion, state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, and talent acquisition to elevate the quality and reputation of English wines on the global stage.
- Recognition and Awards: English wines from the south of England have garnered increasing recognition and accolades in international wine competitions and tastings, further cementing the region’s reputation as a producer of world-class wines. The success of English sparkling wines, in particular, has helped raise the profile of the south of England as a top-tier wine-producing region, with many experts drawing parallels between its sparkling wines and those of Champagne.
In conclusion, the south of England offers a combination of climatic conditions, soil diversity, viticultural expertise, and investment that makes it exceptionally well-suited for growing wine grapes. With its steadily growing reputation for quality and distinctiveness, the region is poised to continue making significant contributions to the global wine industry for years to come.Wine Guy on Skye continues to source high quality wines from across all the English producers. Check the website for the details of the current wines we hold that provide a cross section of the types of wines available at affordable prices – www.wineguyonskye.com – and see the descriptions to show why we chose them.