Wines of the week: Three English wines

This weekend marks the start of the annual English Wine Week, a showcase for the extraordinary renaissance in English wines of the last few years. So, here are three fine examples of domestic wine making from just a selection of the many new and excellent producers…

A sparkling from Sussex…

Wiston South Downs Cuvee Brut 2013

From an ancient family-owned estate in West Sussex, first planted with the champagne varieties – chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier – in 2008, this is a full bodied and distinctive sparkler, given considerable heft from ageing in French oak barrels previously used for puligny-monrachet. Savoury, toasty and complex and a fine underlying minerality. Drink on its own, with nuts or light canapés.

£28.99 simplywinesdirect.uk; £34.95 southdownscellars.co.uk

A white from Devon…

Lyme Bay Chardonnay 2015

Further proof that the expertise and refinement that has made English sparkling such a success is now transferring to still wines. Made from chardonnay plus a little bacchus, grown near Axminster in Devon, this is as bright and fragrant as a West Country spring morning: floral aromas, a little citrus on the palate, a touch of butter on the finish. Ideal with any kind of fish or shellfish.

£15 Marksandspencers; £17.50 davywine.co.uk

A red from Kent…

Gusborne Pinot Noir 2014

Having nailed down sparkling and still whites, the big target for English wine makers is a pinot noir, as other cool climate wine making areas, like New Zealand and Germany do well. There are a number of very creditable attempts out there and this is one of the best, from an excellent estate which has already made its mark in sparkling wines. Aromatic, juicy, raspberry fruit, a hint of earth and spice. Drink with charcuterie and light meats.

£21.99 henningswine.co.uk; £23 honestgrapes.co.uk