It might not be the first thing you associate with the local countryside, but our green and pleasant lands make ideal terroir for sparkling wine. On page 72 of October's The Simple Things, Johanna Derry takes on the tough job of tasting wine among the vines.
Vineyards are popping up all over Britain, as growers learn to use our cooler climate to their advantage. But how best to taste the spoils?
Tips on how to taste wine from top English winemaker Owen Elias
- Serve white or sparkling wine in a tulip-shaped glass between 8 and 10C. The shape of the glass traps in the aromatics giving the wine a good 'nose'.
- Hold the glass by the stem so you don't warm the wine, give it a swirl and a sniff, and pay attention to what you can smell.
- Taste the wine and, as you do, take a little air into your mouth to release the flavours. You'll get the acidic ones first and then the rest will appear afterwards. It's not necessary to spit it out. Unless you're the designated driver, of course.
Find out more about English wine in this video:
