Expert’s choice: English still wines

Although currently best known for its sparkling wines, there’s huge potential for the production of still wines in the UK, says Susie Barrie MW Ð as these bottle show

A selection of elegant whites, characterful rosés and fruity reds from Susie Barrie MW

IF THE EXTRAORDINARY weather of 2018 in the British Isles proved anything, it is to expect the unexpected. That said, according to dr Alistair nesbitt of Climate Wine Consulting, the average growing season temperature in the UK is steadily rising. If this trend continues, it isn’t just sparkling wine that the country’s winemakers should be focusing on. Still wines can and should form a credible part of future planning.

Although the UK’s reputation as a producer of world-class wines has understandably been founded on fizz, still wines are now deservedly beginning to share the limelight. As Charlie Holland of Gusbourne wine estate in Kent states: ‘The success of English wine has rightly been built on sparkling wine, as this is the style most suited to our climate.’ But when things begin to hot up as they did in 2018, the potential to produce accomplished table wines becomes a serious reality.

It’s not all about the climate though. young and ambitious wine producers, working with the right vine clones and varieties, in the right sites, and using the latest winemaking techniques, are already making top-quality still wines.