15. England/Wales Flashcards
When were Champagne varieties planted in England?
Late 1980s
What percent of plantings/production in England & Wales do Champagne varieties account for?
70%
What is the primary climatic influence that makes England highly suitable for traditional method sparkling wines? What 2 conditions result from this?
Northerly latitude - all vineyards located above 50 degrees
- Long daylight hours
- Cool climate
Where are the majority of vineyards in England located?
Southern England - accounts for 85% of all production
Describe the climate of England and its impact on the wine.
Cool maritime climate. Cool temperatures result in slow ripening, slow sugar accumulation, preservation of acidity and the creation of medium intensity fruit characteristics
How has global warming impacted production?
It has helped producers ripen fruit in more years than was previously possible, raising quality.
What 2 factors have increased the risk of frost damage?
- Warmer springs result in early budding
2. Large increase in planting of early budding varieties
What is the biggest threat to yields in England?
Prolonged rain. Rain and cool temperatures in June and July can affect flowering and fruit set and can drastically reduce yields. Additionally rain during the harvest month of October can be a threat to quality.
What factors are considered in site selection in England?
- South-facing slopes best for max sun exposure in northern latitudes
- Finding max shelter from prevailing winds generally from the south - can hinder flowering & fruit set and disperse heat
- Good drainage essential to avoid regularly wet soils and root zone - either naturally free draining or through installation
- Altitude below 125m above sea level.
What are the various soil types found in England and the influences of these soils on the wine?
Clay predominately in Kent and parts of Sussex - high water-holding capacity and fertility. Soils in Sussex and Hampshire have significant amounts of chalk - similar to Champagne. Chalk soils tend to be on higher elevation slopes - more vulnerable to adverse weather. Clay soils - lower acidity & more pronounced fruit; chalk - higher acidity/leaner body
Describe typical planting and canopy management of vineyards in England
- Medium density (4,000-5,000 vines/hectare) - increase root competition and limit canopy vigor.
- Guyot system w/ VSP preferred
- Narrow rows with canes relatively close to ground to retain heat.
- Thin canopies- allow air & light to reach buds/fruit, reduce disease pressure and allow sprays to reach leaves
How do yields compare to Champagne?
They are lower - typically 24 hl/ha - this is one-third to one-quarter what is achieved in Champagne.
What are the primary varietals used in English sparkling wine?
Same as Champagne - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A few made from German crossings and hybrids
What are common winemaking techniques for British sparkling wines?
- Almost all made by traditional method
- Predominately vintage wines
- Minimum 9 months on lees (in line with EU regs)
- Majority of base wines unoaked.
- Malolactic conversion widely used to reduce very high acidity from cold climate
- Recently some large producers making non-vintage with reserve wines
What 6 varieties are permitted for English PDO sparkling wines?
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir Precoce (ripens 2 weeks earlier than pinot noir)
