After seeing many, many posts about #theBIGenglishwinegoodfriday on Instagram in the lead up to Good Friday (10th April 2020) I decided I would take part. I quickly ordered three bottles of English vino from Laithwaites to join in with some of the tastings and discussions on Instagram at 7pm. Here are my thoughts about the wines I bought…
I really enjoy English wine and try to buy it and tell my family and friends about it at any opportunity. I recommended a friend the Chapel Down Bacchus for her birthday the other week and she was very impressed. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it!
I love the high quality fizz and the still whites. The reds are just not my thing, a bit light and thin for my tastes. I prefer a big red with dark fruits and a hint of vanilla from a warm climate country (My mouth is watering writing that!).
South Ridge Cuvée Merret Brut 2015
As it was glorious weather and we couldn’t wait until 7pm…. so decided to open the fizz.
Another top draw English sparking wine. Perfect for sitting in the sun in the garden. 100% Chardonnay, it had subtle toasty notes and then a green apple flavour with fine bubbles. A quality product from Ridgeview. £24.99 so about average price for a traditional method English fizz. My friends bought it after seeing it on my Instagram post and loved it.
Lyme Bay Bacchus Block 2018
This was my wine of choice for my home made pizza and watching some of the Instagram live videos celebrating English wine.
I really like Bacchus, like a toned down Sauvignon Blanc. Which is good as sometimes I think Sauvignon Blanc especially from New Zealand has too much lemongrass for me.
The Lyme Bay Bacchus Block didn’t disappoint. Green apple, lime and grape fruit flavours. It went down a treat, although it was on the expensive side at £21, but I have seen it on sale for cheaper elsewhere.
I also thought it was a little confusing where the grapes were from. At fist glance I thought Devon as this is where the vineyards is, but the actual location is near Chelmsford, Essex. Not that this takes away from the quality of the wine.
Grower’s Selection Bacchus
A few days later we drank the third bottle from the English wine selection.
A little bit cheaper than the previous bottle at £17.49 but still a bit pricey I would say. Light and crisp, with lemon and citrus fruit flavours. It was very easy to drink sat in the sun, it made lockdown a little more bearable.
I think English wines are getting better and better. I’m rarely disappointed by the white and fizz, there are some top quality bottles out there. I wish you could see it in more shops. I’ve noticed Aldi and Lidl have some in every now and then which is great. If I was a restaurant or bar I would be all over it.
#theBIGenglishwinegoodfriday seemed like a massive success. Its all I could see on my Instagram feed! There were plenty of videos, virtual tasting and discussions going on. I hope it raised the profile and helped them during this COVID-19 situation.
Give some of the vineyards and producers a follow to see what’s available and what’s happening.
About the Grape 