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English wine is not new news. But it is the most exciting story in the wine world right now. Here, our Buyer Davy Żyw tells us about the homegrown fine wine scene – from the true potential of our terroir, to the producers who are making the most impressive wines
The story of English wine is as old as many European wine regions; grapes arrived with the Romans, but it was the Normans who established consistent viticulture and wine making. In 1066, the Doomsday Book records 40 vineyards, including a current front runner of English sparkling wine, Nyetimber of Kent.
Winemaking did expand further across England but the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine, and a period of truly British weather in the 12th century, meant that the parched public preferred the quaffable wines of France – and our love affair with Claret began. And, thus, UK winemaking fell dormant as lands went to more prosperous agriculture.
A few intrepid landowners in-line text link the 18th century gave viticulture a good bash; however, it was an endeavour of love rather than serious production. This changed in the 20th century, when the UK’s first commercial wineries began realising the potential, dedicating land to viticulture. In 1952, Lord Guy Salisbury planted vines at Hambledon, aided by his friends at Pol Roger who supplied shoots of Chardonnay from their vine- nursery in Epernay. During the latter half of the 1900s, more vineyards emerged, and the momentum has only continued.
An Old Story
The story of English wine is as old as many European wine regions; grapes arrived with the Romans, but it was the Normans who established consistent viticulture and wine making. In 1066, the Doomsday Book records 40 vineyards, including a current front runner of English sparkling wine, Nyetimber of Kent.
Winemaking did expand further across England but the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine, and a period of truly British weather in the 12th century, meant that the parched public preferred the quaffable wines of France – and our love affair with Claret began. And, thus, UK winemaking fell dormant as lands went to more prosperous agriculture.
A few intrepid landowners in the 18th century gave viticulture a good bash; however, it was an endeavour of love rather than serious production. This changed in the 20th century, when the UK’s first commercial wineries began realising the potential, dedicating land to viticulture. In 1952, Lord Guy Salisbury planted vines at Hambledon, aided by his friends at Pol Roger who supplied shoots of Chardonnay from their vine- nursery in Epernay. During the latter half of the 1900s, more vineyards emerged, and the momentum has only continued.
An Old Story
The story of English wine is as old as many European wine regions; grapes arrived with the Romans, but it was the Normans who established consistent viticulture and wine making. In 1066, the Doomsday Book records 40 vineyards, including a current front runner of English sparkling wine, Nyetimber of Kent.
Winemaking did expand further across England but the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine, and a period of truly British weather in the 12th century, meant that the parched public preferred the quaffable wines of France – and our love affair with Claret began. And, thus, UK winemaking fell dormant as lands went to more prosperous agriculture.
A few intrepid landowners in the 18th century gave viticulture a good bash; however, it was an endeavour of love rather than serious production. This changed in the 20th century, when the UK’s first commercial wineries began realising the potential, dedicating land to viticulture. In 1952, Lord Guy Salisbury planted vines at Hambledon, aided by his friends at Pol Roger who supplied shoots of Chardonnay from their vine- nursery in Epernay. During the latter half of the 1900s, more vineyards emerged, and the momentum has only continued.
An Old Story
The story of English wine is as old as many European wine regions; grapes arrived with the Romans, but it was the Normans who established consistent viticulture and wine making. In 1066, the Doomsday Book records 40 vineyards, including a current front runner of English sparkling wine, Nyetimber of Kent.
Winemaking did expand further across England but the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine, and a period of truly British weather in the 12th century, meant that the parched public preferred the quaffable wines of France – and our love affair with Claret began. And, thus, UK winemaking fell dormant as lands went to more prosperous agriculture.
A few intrepid landowners in the 18th century gave viticulture a good bash; however, it was an endeavour of love rather than serious production. This changed in the 20th century, when the UK’s first commercial wineries began realising the potential, dedicating land to viticulture. In 1952, Lord Guy Salisbury planted vines at Hambledon, aided by his friends at Pol Roger who supplied shoots of Chardonnay from their vine- nursery in Epernay. During the latter half of the 1900s, more vineyards emerged, and the momentum has only continued.
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The King's Ginger, 41%
The King’s Ginger may be celebrating its 117th birthday, but it remains a timeless liqueur. On the nose, there’s fresh natural ginger and zesty lemon; on the palate, you’ll find ginger-syrup sweetness, fresh ginger and lemon Edelicious on its own, or mixed in a cocktail. This year, The King’s Ginger is appearing in its new bottle. Its updated design is a nod to the saddle flask, and to King Edward’s love of the outdoors.
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The King's Ginger, 41%The King's Ginger, 41%Bottle Price 50cl $75 -
The Pink Pigeon, Mauritian Rum (40%)
This is definitely in the uplifting and refreshing domaine, having an exquisite balance of well defined spirit and beautifully integrated vanilla. The quality of the underlying rum gives structure and texture allowing the vanilla layers to fuse and play on the palate. Unique and enlightening!
Doug McIvor, Spirits Manager, BBR Spirits
The Pink Pigeon, Mauritian Rum (40%)The Pink Pigeon, Mauritian Rum (40%)Bottle Price 70cl $79 -
Karlsson's Gold Vodka (40%)
Karlsson’s Vodka is handcrafted with different varieties of Virgin New Potatoes, all grown in Cape Bjäre, Sweden. Surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, the sandy, but fertile soil is home to the most exquisite heirloom potatoes, known locally as “Farmer’s Gold.”
Distilled once and unfiltered to preserve the rich taste of the delicate, young potatoes, the vodka’s unique character is the result of the quality and quantity of the ingredients from which it is made. Approximately seventeen pounds of Virgin New Potatoes are needed to make just one bottle of Karlsson’s Vodka.
Developed by Master Blender Börje Karlsson, Karlsson’s Vodka is a beautifully balanced and smooth spirit, possessing some unique qualities of character and natural taste. Karlsson’s Vodka honors the heritage of vodka by going back to an artisanal, handcrafted aesthetic that preserves as much of the inherent flavor as possible.Karlsson's Gold Vodka (40%)Karlsson's Gold Vodka (40%)Bottle Price 70cl $79 -
No.3 London Dry Gin (46%)
Know your Bourdeaux from your Burgundy? Then you’ll also be familiar with Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchants, Berry Bros & Rudd, aka the brains behind this bottle. It’s a suitably classy affair, delivering a strong herbaceous note, warming spice and a whiff of citrus Eand at 46% ABV, they’re not mucking about. We’d serve it with a light tonic and fresh herb garnish.
Stacey Smith and Millie West, Esquire Magazine (November 2023)
No.3 perfectly balances three essential flavours: juniper, citrus and spice, making for the most refreshing gin and tonic, clean, crisp martini or distinctive negroni.
It took us two years to create our masterpiece, working with master distillers, top mixologists, and Dr David Clutton - the only person in the world to have a PhD in gin. We spent months selecting the best botanicals to create a truly classic London Dry Gin.
To meet our exacting standards, we distil our spirit and botanicals in a unique 100-year-old, brick-encased copper pot still in Holland - the home of gin. With the best ingredients, the know-how of the world’s leading gin experts, and perseverance, we created No.3 Gin.
No.3 is the only gin awarded ‘World’s Best Efour times (2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019) at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC).No.3 London Dry Gin (46%)No.3 London Dry Gin (46%)Bottle Price 70cl $129 -
Berrys' Own Selection Jamaican Rum 2000, 13-year-old, 46.0%Amaica produces some of the heaviest character rums in the Caribbean, often with high ester content resulting in rich aromatics and full flavours. This fine pot still example epitomises the fuller style from the island Intense aromas of brown sugar sprinkled bruised bananas, a hint of pineapple and some nice honey notes display.
The palate gives sensational tarry richness as it swells with burnt treacle and smokiness. One to linger over.