As you well know, we love all things local and wine is no exception. With four awesome suppliers nearby, who would have thought we’d be this lucky. English wine has in the past had a bit of a bad rep, due to the inclement weather (we are hardly the tropics after all!) you wouldn’t be the only one to shy away from it. However, combining pioneering technology and of course, some traditional methods, there are some English wines out there which really turn heads.
With the summer months here, what better time to showcase some of the finest English wines from our awesome local suppliers: Aldwick Estate Vineyard, Three Choirs Vineyards, Dunleavy and The Canned Co. But what exactly makes these suppliers unique? Let's have a look at who they are, how you can get the most out of tasting at home and what is the best food pairing for the delicious tipples.
Meet the Winemakers
Aldwick Estate Vineyard
Tucked away in the shadow of the Mendip Hills in North Somerset, Aldwick Estate Vineyard is a family run vineyard producing award winning English still and sparkling wines. As Somerset’s largest vineyard, Aldwick has 11 acres of vines where they grow their own grapes. Grapes have been grown here since the first vine was planted in 2008; grapes are now hand picked in September and October ready to be made into a range of white, rose and red wines.
Three Choirs Vineyards
Located in Gloucestershire, Three Choirs Vineyards is one of England's oldest and largest vineyards. Established in 1973, there are 75 acres of vines at Three Choirs and whilst there is a keen eye on technology the primary importance at Three Choirs is taste, which only comes from the winemakers themselves, with decisions being made by the senses and using science to back it up.
The Canned Co
The Canned Co based in Bath is shaking things up with high-quality British wines in convenient, infinitely recyclable eco-friendly cans. Wine is imported in bulk, so as to lower the CO2 emissions created by importing bulky glass, sustainability is at the heart of decision making at The Canned Co. Each can holds the equivalent of one large glass of wine, so they are perfect for picnics, festivals, or simply enjoying at home, The Canned Co brings a fresh approach to wine without compromising on taste.
Dunleavy Vineyards
Dunleavy Vineyards, based in the beautiful Yeo Valley, is renowned for producing award-winning rosé and sparkling wines. With a commitment to producing wine with a healthy blend of passion, sustainable farming and the latest viticultural techniques. Dunleavy is a gem in the English wine scene producing multi award winning Rose and sparkling wines from Regent and Seyval blanc grapes over the last 20 years.
Now that we know the suppliers, let's look at how to get the most out of a DIY wine tasting experience.
How to DIY Wine Tasting
Creating your own wine tasting experience at home can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be, but here’s a simple no nonsense guide:
- Choose Your Wines: Select a range of wines from our local suppliers. Aim for a mix of whites, reds, and maybe a cheeky sparkling or rosé, or if you’re going crazy add in a yummy dessert wine for good measure too.
- Set the Scene: Gather some glasses, a spittoon (that’s a fancy word for something to spit the remnants into, if you’re not planning to drink it all ;-) ), and a notebook for tasting notes - top tip here is that a good wine glass can make all the difference.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: the right temperature is another key factor in wine tasting, and getting the best out of it. Whites and sparkling wines should be chilled, while reds are best served slightly below room temperature.
- Tasting Order: Start with lighter wines (whites and rosés), followed by reds, and end with sparkling or dessert wines.
- The Process: Look at the wine, smell it, take a small sip, and let it linger in your mouth. Note the color, aroma, taste, and finish. And legs - anyone who has been to wine tasting before will no doubt talk about the “legs” - the indicator of higher alcohol content and therefore a smoother, richer wine.
Now that you know how to taste the wine, what better way to round off than to make sure that you have the perfect wine pairing, which may just take your tasting experience to the next level. Here are some classic pairings for our English wines:
- Aldwick Estate Sparkling: Perfect with seafood, particularly oysters or smoked salmon.
- Three Choirs White Wine: Ideal with creamy cheeses, chicken dishes, or light pastas.
- The Canned Co Red Wine: Great with grilled meats, hearty stews, or rich chocolate desserts.
- Dunleavy Rose: Pairs beautifully with light salads, grilled fish, or soft cheeses.
So next time you’re thinking about wine, think local. Whether you’re gifting a hamper to a friend, family member, colleague or customer, planning a tasting party, a fancy dinner party, or just a chilled evening, our English wines from Aldwick Estate Vineyard, Three Choirs Vineyards, Dunleavy Vineyards and The Canned Co are sure to fit the job just perfectly.. Cheers to sipping local!
