English Six of the Best Case

The warm 2022 vintage has produced some outstanding English pinots, and this is one of the best. Using Burgundian clones the wine has spent four months in second-use French oak resulting in a pure, cranberry and strawberry-led pinot with sweet nutmeg notes. Delicious now but patience will be rewarded.

Simpsons are producing some of the finest examples of chardonnay in the UK, and the single-vineyard Roman Road is their 'premier cru'. Fermented in a combination of French oak and stainless steel from the warm 2022 vintage produces a broad and complex chardonnay with notes of citrus, cedar and nutmeg with real texture.

Simpsons in Kent are producing some of the finest examples of chardonnay in the UK, and this unoaked chardonnay is a prime example. 2023 was a bumper year for the UK and this is produced with freshness and drinkability in mind. Pear, quince and apple notes and a light savouriness will make this ideal with smoked salmon.

Impressive oaked pinot noir from new producer, Artelium, based in Sussex. From the fantastic 2022 vintage this has great purity of redcurrant and cherry fruit with violet, nutmeg and spice notes from use of high-quality oak. The palate is fleshy and generous with fine, savoury tannins.

Zesty and refreshing rosé from New Hall Estate in Essex's Crouch Valley, the current hotbed for English still wines. Ideal chilled alongside some cured meat or summer salads.

Alison Nightingale of Albourne Estate in Sussex shares our belief that English rosé shows huge potential. Made using pinot noir the wine shows great freshness as well as red-fruit character of strawberry, cherry and a light minerality. A perfect rosé for the summer. Albourne has been fuelled 100% from green energy since their first vintage in 2013, and they are fully certified by Sustainable Wines of Great Britain.