Wines of the week: Three English sparkling wines

Tery Kirby selects the best three English sparkling wines

English Wine Week, celebrating the best of English wine, started yesterday, so in the first of two columns dedicated to our own vineyards, here are three of the best sparklers….

Eastcott Classive Cuvee 2013

Buried deep in the Devon countryside near Oakhampton, Eastcott has produced a remarkable sparkler, different from the light and effervescent English style. A Chardonnay dominated blend, this is closer to a French vintage champagne: full flavoured, rich, aromatic, but still cut through with a clear acidity. One of a number of new English wines now available nationally via Marks and Spencers.

£25.00 Marks and Spencers (selected stores and online); eastcottvineyard.co.uk

Hambledon Classic Cuvee

From Hampshire, this is much more typical of the English style and yet beat classic French champagne names like Pol Roger and Tattinger in a recent blind tasting. Light and bright, brimming with zesty flavours of elderflowers and green apples, with a touch of brioche. Spring day drinking at its best and perfect with canapés.

£28.00 winetrust100.co.uk; £29.95 bbr.com; £29.00 Marks and Spencers (selected stores and online)

Exton Park Pinot Meunier Rose

Launched only this Spring, this superb rose made, also in Hampshire, from one of the trinity of classic Champagne grapes has already attracted Gold and Silver medals at two recent major wine awards. Very dry, almost spicy, full flavours of red berries and citrus, refined and sophisticated. For the most important summer celebrations.

£34.95 extonparkvineyard.com

Next week: the new still English whites….