This year, production will be down a bit because of early frost damage, but the Indian summer should have helped make some very concentrated wines. Remember, English Wine means wine made from grapes grown in England or Wales. There is now a full range of high quality English table wine available to cheer you up over the Christmas season, from gluggable party wines to serious reds that will take on the biggest roast joint. You can even enjoy a late picked dessert wine with your Christmas Pudding. Prices are coming down, but to some extent they still reflect the relatively recent high investment in viticulture and winemaking technology, together with a certain exclusivity that goes with scarcity.
English wine is a rare commodity that it is becoming increasingly sought after.
The festivities need to kick off with a bang, so what better than a sparkling wine, made to the same exacting standards as those in Champagne. Chapel Down in Kent make Epoch, Vintage Brut 1990, Stg 10.50 from grapes grown in a Sussex vineyard at Scaynes Hill which shares the same chalk schist as in Champagne. Earlier vintages were marketed as Rock Lodge Impressario and many of my friends have bought case after case of the 1989 on my recommendation and have simply raved over it. The 1990 is every bit as good, with a very fresh tangy lemon start, a very full mousse made from myriads of tiny bubbles and a good yeasty structure that lingers on the palate. Wines to party with If you're in a standing around drinking situation, rather than sitting at table, then you want a fruity white, or a juicy red.