English sparkling wines are now widely recognised for their high quality, frequently beating Champagnes in blind tastings. The English still wines have received much less publicity, but at the United Kingdom Vineyards Association competition in 2016, the five Masters of Wine gave more gold medals to the still wines than to the sparkling wines. The hallmarks are freshness and elegance. Try these 12 wines and find out for yourself. Excellent English still wines come from Cornwall to Kent and as far north as Yorkshire; these are all from the south east.
Dry to off-dry whites: Chapel Down Bacchus 2014 (Kent); Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyard Bacchus 2014 (Sussex); Stopham Estate Pinot Blanc 2013 (Sussex); Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyard Pinot Gris 2014 (Sussex); Stopham Estate Pinot Gris 2013 (Sussex); Chapel Down Kit’s Coty Estate Chardonnay 2013 (lightly oaked, Kent).
Rosés: Court Garden Ditchling Rosé 2013 (Sussex); Temple Sheen Rosé/Red 2015 (London).
Reds: Bolney Estate Pinot Noir 2013 (Sussex); Bolney Estate Dark Harvest 2013 (oaked, Sussex); Chapel Down Union Red 2014 (Kent and Sussex).
Medium-sweet white: Chapel Down Nectar 2014 (Kent).
Brenda Lamb will provide a light supper after the tasting, including puddings.
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Venue: The Naval Club, 38 Hill Street, London, W1J 5NS.
Nearest tube: Green Park or Hyde Park.
Mobility rating: 5 (steep stairs).
Time: 7.00 p.m.
Dress: Jacket.
Price: Members £39 Guests £43.
Organiser: Dr Bernard Lamb Tel. 020 8876 0505
E-mail: bernardlamb@btinternet.com
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event. Please contact the organiser for last-minute places.