Some of England’s award-winning sparkling wine is on its way to conquering a new market.
The first full container of 5,000 bottles is to be shipped this week to nine states in the US.
Four producers are showing their confidence that they will convert the taste buds of Americans – Digby Fine English, Bolney Wine Estate, Camel Valley and Hush Heath Estate owned by serial entrepreneur Richard Balfour-Lynne.
All producers have won international awards for their sparkling wines.
In just the last five years, English sparkling wines have shaken off their novelty image, thanks to investment in equipment and expertise and boosted by an increase in global temperatures.
Two French champagne houses, Taittinger and Vranken-Pommery, have put in millions of pounds to establish themselves in southern England.
Many new vineyards have been planted in southern England over the last ten years. Their produce will need to be sold, and while the British market for bubbles is solid, a greater audience will be needed.
Chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes are the ones used to create champagne and they are also the ones used in 90% of British sparkling wines.
But some reach the consumer at a price. A 2010 Vintage Reserve Brut from Digby Fine English is given a price tag of £39.99 by Selfridges and Harvey Nichols while $75 will be the asking price in the US.
Digby Fine English says the wine is “a world-class product” which deserves to be on the great wine lists.
“This wine stands up to any competition thrown at it. Our wines are as good as champagnes costing twice as much. American connoisseurs understand that,” said head blender Trevor Clough.
The British government pledged last March to achieve a tenfold increase in just four years in the amount of English wines being exported.
