AWARD WINNING ENGLISH WINE: THE BOTTLES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT.
The rise of English wine on the global stage is all about passion, innovation, and top-notch quality. Once in the shadow of their European counterparts, English vineyards have now made a name for themselves, especially with their sparkling wines. Which are gaining recognition all over the world.
This blog post will take a closer look at the awards that have boosted English wines. Talk about why these awards are important. And address the burning question: “Is English wine actually any good?”
Is English wine any good?
The answer is a resounding yes. English wine is not just good; it is world-class. The numerous international awards and accolades are a testament to the quality and sophistication that English vineyards have achieved, particularly with their sparkling wines. The growing conditions, combined with the expertise of English winemakers, have produced wines that can compete on equal footing with long-established wine regions.
The Rise of English Wine
English wine has rapidly changed in the last few decades, thanks to the weather getting better for growing grapes in places like Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, and also because winemaking has gotten way better. They’ve mostly been making sparkling wines, which are great because of the chalky soils, just like in Champagne, France.
Notable Wine Awards and Their Significance
1. Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) The Decanter World Wine Awards is like the Olympics of wine, but without the sprinting. English wines have aced it at the DWWA, bagging tons of medals that show just how awesome their wines are, even on the world stage. If you win at the DWWA, you know your wine is top-notch and respected worldwide, ’cause the judges are some of the biggest wine buffs around, and they taste it all without knowing which is which.
2. International Wine Challenge (IWC)
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is quite a fancy competition, with judges wines from all over the world. English sparkling wines havesnagged gold medals at the IWC, showing off just how refined they are. Getting a thumbs up from the IWC is a big deal.
3. The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
You know, the IWSC is really famous for how seriously they take judging the wines. I mean, they go all out with blind tasting and even detailed chemical analysis. And, English wines, like the ones from Nyetimber and Chapel Down, have bagged gold medals there. It’s like a stamp of approval for English winemaking around the world.
4. The GB Wine Awards
The GB Wine Awards, officially known as the Great British Wine Awards, are a significant event in the UK’s wine industry. These awards aim to highlight and celebrate the excellence and innovation of wines produced within the United Kingdom.
Award winning English wine in 2023
English wines at the IWC in 2023
At the IWC, 2023 was a banner year for English wine, sparkling in the spotlight right behind France when it came to hauling in the gold for effervescent elixirs. Yet, it wasn’t just the bubbles drawing acclaim; the still wines stepped up, snagging 24 medals and proving that England’s vineyards can conjure magic from both sparkle and stillness.
The bounty of accolades spread across 19 regions, with the lion’s share of medals—over 65%—claimed by just four powerhouse regions, turning heads and tasting buds from Staffordshire to Shropshire.
Kent vineyards emerged as the champion, leading with 27 medals, where Chapel Down not only clinched two golds for its revered vintages but added a sprinkle of six more silvers and bronzes to its collection. Not to be outdone, Sussex showed off its finesse in fizz, with 23 medals decorating the cellars of its vintners, including golds for Rathfinny and Busi Jacobsohn’s delectable drops. Meanwhile, Hampshire proved it’s not just about quantity but quality, with Hattingley Valley’s Blanc de Blancs 2014 swooping the top trophies for sparkling excellence.
Rounding out the victors, Cornwall’s Camel Valley popped corks with its Annie’s Anniversary Brut 2018, leading a parade of precious metals back to its cellars. Beyond the lush fields of the south, Devon and Lyme Bay weren’t shy about joining the winners’ circle, each toasting to their own trophy triumphs.
English wine at the Decanter awards in 2023
At the Decanter World Wine Awards, wine from the UK represented an astounding 143 entries. 109 of which were for English sparkling wine. The top scorers of which were East Sussex vineyard, Ridgeview with their Rosé De Noirs Brut. They were awarded a 97 (out of 100) and awarded a Platinum. Whilst, Kent vineyard, Gusbourne received a Best in Show for their Blanc De Blancs.
This illustrious year left no doubt: English wines are not just good; they’re gold-worthy, garnishing global glee and proving that the wine world’s best-kept secret is out—England is in it to win it, one vine at a time.
Award Winning English Sparkling Wines: Celebrated Classics
Here are three classics, multi-award winning English sparkling wines.
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee One of the most decorated English wines, the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee has been a gold medalist at both the IWSC and the IWC. Known for its elegant blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, it showcases the potential of English terroir and the expertise of local winemakers.
Gusbourne Brut Reserve Another standout, the Gusbourne Brut Reserve has received accolades from the DWWA for its balanced acidity and complex flavor profile. This wine exemplifies the unique characteristics of English sparkling wines, with vibrant notes and a rich, textured finish.
Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Coeur de Cuvée This single-vineyard Chardonnay has won numerous awards, including gold at the DWWA, for its exceptional quality and expression of the Kent terroir. It’s a testament to the potential of English still wines, featuring depth, elegance, and a distinct minerality.
Award winning English still wine: Rising stars
Here are three award winning English still wines, the rising stars that are impressing judges.
In 2023, the IWC awarded Lympstone Manor the English red wine award for their Triassic Pinot Noir 2020. This red wine is 100% Pinot Noir grape and aged in 30% oak. Creating a smooth as silk Pinot Noir. This is a wine for a VERY special occasion, with a retail price of £65.
Bella Rosa Rosé made by Wiltshire Winery, Whitehall, won a silver award in the Decanter Wine Awards in 2023. A “very pale rose” made from Pinot Noir and Meunier in the style of a Provence rose. It retails at £18.99.
Deer Park Winery in Worcestershire, snagged three Bronze awards from Decanter in 2023. Of the three, their Bacchus is a very interesting dry white wine, especially with a reasonable price point of £16.
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