If there’s anything better than having a bunch of mates over for dinner, and also having a fistful of English wines to taste as part of the process, I’d like to know what you suggest.

I mean, there’s having dinner with Jeff Goldblum, perhaps. But as far as joy-filled summer evenings go, this is hard to beat. And yes, it’s a tough job etc. But you’re here, so I’m assuming you’d like to know more about English wines. In which case it’s a good job we’ve selflessly tested a few out.

Wine and food are always the best bedfellows, so I fired up the barbie, cleaned the glasses at the back of the cupboard that never get used, and welcomed a small but motley crew to mine for a bit of expert assessment.

Meet your tasters

Would you buy a second-hand car off this lot? L-R this is Zoe Cunliffe, one half of the legendary Mixology Group, arguably the most functional half, as she deals with the outside world and chases down the business like a puma going full pelt. She also loves wine. Next comes yours truly, who knows a lot about everything, natch, including wine. Then you’ve got Myles Cunliffe, the second half of the Mixology Group, and definitely the one with the real viticultural knowledge. And finally Adrienne Palmer, who not only has a sterling background in dedicated wine drinking, she’s also an experienced licensee who now also works at the glorious Bolney vineyard.

I’d like to say that my daughter Lili and her boyfriend Dylan also joined in but they weren’t there from the start, so we couldn’t count their take. Which is just as well because by the time they steamed in, I was five wines deep with no clue what was going on.

Let’s get started.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage 75cl, £42

They say:
The signature wine of Nyetimber is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and is a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. The blend includes wines from all our vineyards and also from several vintages.
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Citrus notes. Short, sharp, easy to drink.
Sam: Very fresh and lemony, very quaffable – could drink this all summer long.
Myles: Crisp, clean, gorgeous mouthfeel. Citrus fore and back. Great bubble structure. Bright and light – smashable.
Adrienne: Lemon sherbet and elderflower fizz.

Rathfinny Classic Cuvee Brut 2019 75cl, £38

They say:
Rathfinny 2019 Classic Cuvée is our ‘house-style’ English Sparkling Wine, made in the Traditional Method from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes grown and hand-harvested on the Rathfinny Wine Estate.
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Nicer in a flute (we tried bubbles in both coupes and flutes). Very bubbly, a little bicarbonate. Not one to chug, not a lot going on.
Sam: Very bubbly, more mousse than expected. Good wine but would’ve liked a bit more warmth or depth.
Myles: Huge biscuits, shortbread, buttery finish. Chewy texture. Buttered apple but short finish.
Adrienne: Classic, with not a lot going on. Preferred in a coupe glass.

Plumpton Estate Bacchus Reserve Lot 324 75cl, £25.95

They say:
The Plumpton Wine Estate is located in a beautiful countryside area of Sussex located on rolling hills that capture the sunny afternoon weather. This Bacchus is created with hand-picked grapes grown on small plots over sandstone soils. This has notes of dried apricots, honeysuckle and melon, followed with a more herbal touch of lime and fennel. Bracing acidity and a creamy palette.
Find it here (Not currently available on their website but can be bought through other retailers)

We say:
Zoe: Smooth and elegant. Greengages, elderflower, lemon. Smells better than it tastes. Not memorable or a standout for the grape.
Sam: Light and easily drinkable. Expected more tropical notes, but leaned citrussy. A refined wine, but surprising.
Myles: Elderflower, citrus, greengages. High acidity. Noticeable sulphur.
Adrienne: Lime notes. Neutral. More like Pinot Grigio.

Chapel Down Flint Dry 2023 £16 bottle

They say:
Chapel Down Flint Dry 2023 is a crisp and fresh white wine with notes of apple, pear, and citrus. This refreshing wine pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood, and salads.
Find it here (hard to find this year now, think it might have sold out everywhere)

We say:
Zoe: Gooseberry. Light in colour.
Sam: Bone dry, super elegant. Crisp with lemon ‘Space Dust’ vibes. A standout wine.
Myles: Gooseberry, greengage, greenhouse. High acidity, well-integrated alcohol, green apples.
Adrienne: Tomato leaf note stood out.

Bolney Estate Rosé Lychgate 2023 75cl, price £16

They say:
Our Lychgate Rosé 2023 is bursting with fresh stone-fruit and raspberry flavours and is perfect for sipping at home in the sun or enjoying at our Estate whilst admiring the spring vines.
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Raspberries and cotton candy. Smells sweeter than it tastes.
Sam: Light and easily drinkable, bit sweet for me. Perfect for quaffing in the sun and having with seafood though.
Myles: Crisp raspberries and berries. Light.
Adrienne: Off-dry. A good food wine.

Balfour Pinot Noir 1503 Red 2023 75cl £20

They say:
Balfour have a reputation for producing some of England’s very best red wines. The 1503 Pinot Noir is made from a Burgundy grape in one of the estate’s warmest vineyards allowing for optimal ripeness and expression of flavour. Aged for a short time in new oak the elegant, fruity notes classic of Pinot shine through. (Exclusive to Majestic)
Find it here

We say:
Zoe: Light in colour. Soft and mouth-filling. Notes of pepper and cassis.
Sam: Amazing wine. Light in colour, soft and velvety. Could be served chilled or room temp. Star wine of the night.
Myles: Delicious. Well-structured fruit with delicate tannins.
Adrienne: Smooth, round, light. Strong blackberry note.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post We tried some English wines: this is what we thought appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Here’s a selection of some of the best, and most unique English wines from all over the South East region, which will add joy to any occasion.

Rosé all day

Summer is rosé season. Versatile and characterful, perfect as an aperitif, seafood accompaniment or pairing a fruity dessert. Here are some southeast rosés we’ve got our eye on.

Rose de Noir sparkling wine from Chartham Vineyard

Chartham Vineyard 2021 Rosé de Noir, £29.95 (Kent)

For those seeking a tradition, high quality sparkling Rosé, this is for you. Traditional method, and 100 per cent Pinot Noir.

This wine is rich with red fruits and has a crisp and refined finish. Perfect on its own or paired with pork and duck.

Wiston Estate 2018 rosé, £54 (Sussex)

Wiston Estate 2018 sparkling Rosé

Looking for something unique? This bold rosé is certainly that. Boasting a range of flavours including dark cherry, blood orange, rose, brioche and marzipan.

This unapologetic Rosé would be the perfect addition to smoked duck or charcuterie. As Wiston puts it – This is a rosé for grown ups!

Kingscote Estate and Vineyard Rosé Brut NV

Kingscote sparkling Rosé, £27 (Sussex)

65 per cent meunier meets 35 per cent pinot noir. The result? A luscious combination of summer fruits, with a touch of acidity.

Here, you’ll experience expressive notes of strawberry and raspberry with nutty shortbread. Enjoy this wine with a fruity dessert or a fruit pairing meat like pork or duck.

Plumpton Estate 2022 Rock Lodge Rosé

Plumpton Estate Rock Lodge 2022 Rosé, £15.95 (Sussex)

Fresh, light and fruity. This is a Rosé that screams summer. Rich with strawberries, raspberries and cherries. This is wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with nibbles in the sunshine.

Alternatively, top up with soda water and fresh strawberries for a refreshing summer cooler

Captivating whites

White wines have fast become a staple of English wine production. Perfected techniques and a changing climate mean there’s now something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of a Marlborough sauvignon or French champagne – We’re confident you’ll find a new favourite on this list.

The Mount Vineyard 2023 Flint Key Bacchus, £25 (Kent)

The Mount Vineyard 2023 Flint Key Bacchus

This is a fantastically unique Bacchus. Peach and hedgerow permeate the nose whilst stonefruit and rhubarb fill the palate.

Fruity, herbaceous and full of character, this summery tipple would be the perfect accompaniment to a summersalad, pork or poultry

Balfour Winery 2023 Sage’s Ortega

Balfour Winery Sage’s Ortega, 2023, £25 (Kent)

Looking for something a little different? This fantastic Kent wine uses a lesser-known grape – Ortega. Fantastic in cooler climates its versatility is showcased in this fruit-forward white.

Juicy pineapple character meets citrusy acidity. The result is this vibrant summer beverage, great with seafood, pasta and salads.

Gusbourne Estate wild ferment chardonnay

Gusbourne Estate 2022 wild ferment Chardonnay, £35 (Kent)

Familiar and yet completely inventive. This unique take on a classic chardonnay provides the drinker with an ensemble of pear, apple and beeswax on the nose, transforming into a palate of roasted nuts, popcorn,citrus and white pepper.

This wine is great with poultry, pork and salad.

Albourne Estate 2023 Bacchus

Albourne Estate 2023 Bacchus, £17.95 (Sussex)

An excellent choice for lovers of a Marloborough Sauvignon. This complex wine wine is bursting with citrus and tropical fruits, punctuated by a gentle herbaceous undertone.

Despite some palate variation dependant on the vintage this is a consistently great wine. Fantastic with poultry, seafood and pasta.

Paint the town red

Though English whites and rosés have been in the spotlight of British wine production for some time, English reds are now making a name for themselves. From Merlot to Pinot Noir, the UK is now producing red wine to rival any French Cabernet or Argentinian Malbec.

Bolney Wine Estate 2021 Point Noir

Bolney Wine Estate 2022 Pinot Noir, £30 (Sussex)

Silky and luxurious, this is an award-winning wine. Those who drink it will be transported through the British countryside by rich flavours of blackcurrant, fig and cherry, highlighted by a hint of white pepper.

This is a drink best enjoyed with creamy goats’ cheese and game.

Bluebell Vineyards 2020 Ashdown Merlot

Bluebell Vineyard Ashdown 2020 Merlot, £28.40 (Sussex)

Smooth, well balanced and delicate. This is a light-medium bodied merlot. Notes of plum, blackcurrant, cherry bakewell and vanilla begin on the nose, transforming into a palate of rich blackberry jam and cooked cherries.

Oaked for 19 months, this is the perfect accompaniment to beef, risotto and game.

Biddenden Vineyard’s 2023 Gribble Bridge Dornfelder.

Biddenden Vineyards 2023 Gribble Bridge Dornfelder, £16.75 (Kent)

Looking for something truly unique? Look no further – A light red, fruit forward with a good acidity.

This is a wine that can be served chilled, making it a perfect summer drink for red lovers. Fantastic with Mediterranean foods, this wine is the perfect addition to any summer barbeque.

Ridgeview Sparkling Red Reserve

Ridgeview Sparkling Red, £55 (Sussex)

Winner of the 2023 Wine GB pioneer trophy. This wine encapsulates all the creativity of English vineyards. Highly aromatic, with notes of blackberry, cherry and vanilla.

Sweet, luxurious and lightly spiced, this is a sensational barbeque pairing.

A little extra sparkle

Sparkling wine is a staple of English vineyards – Here’s some extra sparkle to add to your next celebration.

Court Garden Sparkling Blanc de Noirs.

Court Garden sparkling Blanc de Noirs, £32.25 (Sussex)

An extra dry, long aged, sparkling wine. This Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier blend produces a refreshing, flavourful tipple. It has just the right level of acidity.

With flavours of apple, citrus and a hint of stone fruit. It’s an exciting change from your average prosecco.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, £42 (Sussex)

A consistent award winner – and Nyetimber’s signature wine. Intense yet delicate, elegant yet complex. With succulent notes of apple and honey.

This quality wine is a signature blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Great on its own as an aperitif or paired with creamy pasta, cheese or summer salad

Chapel Down – Kit’s Coty ‘Coeur de Cuvée’

Chapel Down 2016 Kits Coty Coeur de Cuvée, £129 (Sussex)

Searching for a showstopper? Something high end? This sparkling wine has been the winner of four Wine GB awards including ‘Top Sparkling Wine’ in 2024.

Rich, elegant and complex – This is the embodiment of class. Fresh apple and toasted nuts meet well integrated oak resulting in a rich palate with incredible purity.

Artelium Blanc de Blancs

Artelium Blanc de Blancs 2018, £48 (Sussex)

Winner of the 2024 Decanter awards this wine is elegant and a true reflection on the time put into its creation.

Predominantly Chardonnay, it’s rested on its lees for four years, resulting in a sumptuous, creamy concoction. Citrus, apple and pastry notes are complimented with vivacious acidity.

Rathfinny Blanc de Noirs 2020, £55 (Sussex)

Rathfinny 2020 Blanc de Noirs.

A sparkling tipple with notes of red fruits – A love letter to the Pinot Noir grape. Traditionally made, with a long aging period.

Rathfinny have spent years honing their craft – and it shows. Classic and classy, this wine would pair fantastically with Asian flavours, venison and duck.

This selection isn’t all the Southeast has to offer. If we’ve missed any bottles or vineyards don’t hesitate to comment. One things for sure, there’s no shortage of exciting wines – I can’t wait to see what England produces next.

Emma Cruickshank

Emma is a literature, TV, and film enthusiast. When she’s not writing, she can normally be found out in the Sussex countryside, walking her dog Herbie, or in a restaurant drinking an overpriced cocktail and dreaming up ideas for her next literary endeavour.

The post Some of the best English wines from the South East appeared first on Silver Magazine.