DRINK DIFFERENT - HOME-GROWN FIZZ

Last month it was announced that sales of English wine soared by 64 per cent in 2017, a success largely driven by English fizz, which accounts for two in every three bottle made in the UK.  The Champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier make up more than half of the English vineyard, so it’s not surprising that the Champenois are sitting up and taking notice.

England shares a lot of characteristics of Champagne: a northerly latitude means grapes don’t over-ripen, and maintain the acidity vital for decent sparkling wine; and much of southern England shares the same chalky soil which gives Champagne its character.

So if you’re looking to put some fizz into your life, don’t automatically reach for the obvious French option; English sparkling wine is regularly winning out in blind tastings, and with good reason – it is now too good to ignore.