RAISE A glass

By sam wylie-harris

A glass of English fizz is fast becoming a favourite British staple – and with British Food Fortnight running up to October 2, there couldn’t be a better time to champion the best of both worlds. With suggested food pairings, here’s how to start the celebrations off...

1.ellercombe english Quality sparkling Wine, england, £22, sainsbury’s

Bright bubbles within budget, this own-label fizz offers characteristic green apple and citrusy flavours, complemented by gentle toasty notes and a touch of elderflower on the crisp, fresh finish. One for fresh seafood.

2.the society’s english sparkling Wine, nv, sussex, £24, the Wine society

Made for the world’s oldest wine club by Ridgeview these fresh, feisty bubbles combine attractive apple and lemony flavours with minerally undertones giving way to a zesty citrusy finish. A perfect match with crispy battered fish and chips with tartar sauce.

3.Langham

Corallian Classic Cuvee nv, dorset, england, £29.50, Langham Wine

Langham wine estate was crowned Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year 2020 and head winemaker Tommy Grimshaw cites Corallian as a “vibrant and citrus driven wine with a linear steely profile”. He says this is rounded off very nicely with a beautiful salinity and long savoury finish. A wine that “begs for fresh seafood”, his personal favourite being fresh native oysters served with a simple vinaigrette.

4.Camel

Valley Pinot noir rosé Brut 2019, Cornwall, england, £36, Waitrose

A superb, trophy-winning rosé ranked by critics as one of the best pink sparklers in the country. Lively and vivacious, aromas of strawberries with redcurrant fruit and balanced acidity keep everything fresh and extremely pleasurable. Pair with poached salmon, watercress and tender new potatoes.

5.henners Foxearle english sparkling Brut 2016, sussex, england, £39.99, Virgin Wines Delightful aromas of freshly baked bread, red apples with accents of lemon and peach, there’s a saline freshness to the citrus and apple fruit, with fresh acidity and touches of light, lemon souffle closing the finish. Think grilled Dover sole with parsley and garlic butter.