English Wine might seem like something that should exist. But if you think about it it actually makes a lot of sense.

Firstly, vines are weed like plants, they’ll grow absolutely anywhere – its just the quality of grape and consequently wine they produce that will vary.

Secondly, the climate is changing, the weather now is different to what it was 100 years ago. Its pretty much universally acknowledged that the world is getting warmer. And we hear this from all the winemakers in the traditional wine regions. Climate change is causing them work harder to make great wine.

So why is our first reaction to English Wine – “You can’t make wine good wine in England!”

If you look through the data, the climate in Southern England is very similar to what the climate in Champagne was 100 odd years ago. Then if you look at the soil, the same Limestone subsoil runs all the way from southern France up to Southern England. So why shouldn’t the English be able to produce good quality wines? Because they can, and they are! And the French are starting to notice and get involved. In fact, Taittinger has planted a vineyard just near Kent.

2019 Simpsons Wine Estate Canterbury Rose

Product Details

Description

Simpsons describe this wine as their Great British Classic Method Rosé. It is the epitome of English taste and luxury and is created from exclusively estate-grown Pinot Noir grapes hand-picked from our vineyards situated on the iconic chalk slopes of the North Downs of Kent.

Harvesting & Vinification: Pinot Noir grapes from our Roman Road vineyard site were carefully hand-picked and gently whole-bunch pressed in an Inertys, oxygen-free pneumatic press to preserve and protect the pure, primary red fruit flavours and aromatics. The juice was then cold settled in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks prior to primary fermentation. The wine progressed through full malolactic fermentation and then rested in tank prior to tirage in spring 2020.

Secondary Fermentation & Ageing: After the secondary fermentation in the bottle the wine then aged on its lees for fifteen months prior to disgorgement and then a further four months under cork prior to release in November 2021.

Tasting

This wine is delicately pink, with a very fine bead. It has a soft rose petal and fresh strawberry sorbet nose, illustrating finesse and balance. On the palate there are crisp, wild berry flavours balanced with hints of almond and rose, ending with a clean, complex finish.

Food Pairings

Pairs with bacon sandwichs, gammon steaks, pheasant.

Ageing

Cellaring Potential: Will drink well through to 2024, and potentially beyond if its cellared correctly.