United Kingdom wineries produce some of the best United Kingdom wines to come out of Europe.
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As I am sure you aware, England or the UK offers a lot to tourists traveling from all over the world. This is due in large part to the fact that they were once one with the United States. Not only that, but there are many different cities in England that are quite popular. From London to Edinburgh and Glasgow, there are many famous cities here waiting to be discovered by tourists from all over.
If you are a connoisseur or simply a fan of wine, UK wines are diverse and come from the best United Kingdom wineries. United Kingdom wines are as diverse as the country itself. There is already a flourishing wine country producing top-notch United Kingdom wines. However, there are many regions to keep an eye on as well. Areas like Hampshire, East Anglia, and South West England are all up and coming wine producers.
UK Wineries: The Best United Kingdom Wines
When it comes to fine wines many people do not initially picture UK wineries and United Kingdom wines. However, as of 2014, the UK ranks 6th in overall wine consumption. Of course, this has nothing to do with United Kingdom wineries. However, within the last decade, England has begun making a gigantic change. For instance, they have started creating world-class wines and bottles of bubbly.
The UK is now a growing force in the wine industry. It is especially gaining traction in the Champagne department. In fact, they have been putting out their own, award-winning bubbly. They have even surpassed major champagne houses in competitions. While they do make still wines, their champagne is really the front-runner.
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Heavily planted in the 1970’s, Chardonnay, Ortega, Bacchus, and Pinot Noir are the main grapes in Kent.
Sussex UK wineries
One of the major wine regions in the UK producing world-class United Kingdom Wineries and UK wines is Sussex. Sussex is located in the southeastern corner of England right along the English Channel. Famously located in Champagne, Sussex has the same type of soil. This allows for the same delicious production and quality.
The major grapes that are planted in this area are Bacchus and Champagne, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. These varieties were selected due to the cool climate and other weather conditions. It is under these conditions that these vines really thrive. The latitude additionally lends its hand to the quality winemaking in Sussex. Popular United Kingdom wines derived from Sussex include Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Ortega, Seyval Blanc, and Reichensteiner.
Kent United Kingdom Wineries
Just across the English Channel, East of Sussex lies Kent. Located along the infamous White Cliffs of Dover lies an agricultural paradise. It has been an abundant source of UK agriculture for quite some time, even hosting orchards. The warm climate here makes it ideal for growing wine fruit. Each of the vineyards here faces the South in order to get enough sun. Much like Sussex, Kent has a similar chalk limestone soil.
Heavily planted in the 1970’s, Chardonnay, Ortega, Bacchus, and Pinot Noir are the main grapes in Kent. United Kingdom wineries in this area produce wines with a leading mineral flavor and smell. However, they also boast apple, elderflower, pears, and a balance of acidity. Recently, the Champagne house known as Taittinger purchased land here. They plan to jump on the ‘bubbly train’, investing in the UK winery boom.
Surrey
Made up of ancient marine fossils, Surrey also has chalky soils. This is the home to the Champagne House’s second UK wineries investments in England. Surrey is lucky enough to be the home of Pommery, Hattingley Valley, and one of the biggest United Kingdom wineries in all of England: Denbie’s Estate. Denbie’s Estate boasts Blighty’s largest vineyard—Denbies Vineyard. Denbie’s Vineyard produces lovely champagnes and dark red wines.
Discovering United Kingdom Wines: UK Wineries
As you can see, although England is not known for their United Kingdom wineries and wines, they are improving. In fact, there are a great number of wine producers found in UK wineries that are experimenting with methods and tastes. Chapel Down in Kent is the only United Kingdom winery that has successfully produced orange wine. Orange wine is derived from the Bacchus grape.
In 2015, the UK wine industry took home 130 medals for their United Kingdom wines. As reported by various publications, England did very well at the Decanter World Wine Awards Show. Denbie’s and Chapel Down were among some of the United Kingdom wineries that won awards for their production. At the International Wine Challenge, they even took home over 12 gold medals!
If you are planning a visit to England and you have your cities picked out that is great. However, it is strongly suggested that you take a wine tour. You will be pleasantly surprised when you discover all that the UK has to offer in wine country.