D4 Sparkling: England and Wales

Question 1

When did modern grape growing begin in England and Wales?

What grapes were originally planted?

Answer 1

• After World War II;
• Hybrids and German crosses.

Question 2

When were traditional Champagne varieties planted in England and Wales (with the aim of producing Traditional Method sparkling wine)?

Answer 2

1980s

• traditional Champagne grapes are now 75% of plantings and production

Question 3

What accounts for the long growing season in England and Wales?

What result does this have on the grapes?

Answer 3

• Northerly latitude – all vineyards are above 50°;
• Long daylight hours;
• Grapes picked in October;

This results in slow ripening, slow sugar accumulation, acidity preservation, and the development of medium intensity fruit characters. All this combined make England and Wales highly suitable for Traditional Method sparkling wine.

Question 4

What is the climate of England and Wales?

Answer 4

Cool maritime

Question 5

What is the average growing season temperature in England and Wales?

Answer 5

14ºC (57.2ºF)

Question 6

Why is frost damage increasing in the vineyards of England and Wales?

Answer 6

Frost damage due to climate change

• vines budding earlier due to warmer springs;
• early budding varieties are increasingly being planted, putting them at risk.

Question 7

What is the biggest environmental threat to harvest yields in England and Wales?

Answer 7

Prolonged rain

• Maritime climate means rain is spread throughout the year, including the growing season;
• Rain + cool temps in June and July can affect flowering and fruit set, decreasing yields;
• October rain can dilute/threaten quality.

Question 8

How do winemakers in England and Wales prepare for excess rainfall?

Answer 8

Lots of vineyard management, especially spraying for fungal diseases.

Question 9

What are four factors that go into selecting a vineyard site in England and Wales?

Answer 9

1. South-facing slopes to maximize sun exposure;
2. Protection from southwesterly winds;
3. Good drainage, whether it’s naturally free-draining or drainage is installed;
4. Low elevation (below 125m asl).

Question 10

What are the two predominant soils in England?

Answer 10

1. Chalk
2. Clay

Question 11

Chalk soils in England:

• In which areas is this soil found?
• What features is this soil known for?
• What do these soils add to a wine?
• Are they usually found higher or lower elevations?

Answer 11

• Sussex and Hampshire;
• Good drainage, low fertility;
• Add more finesse, high acidity, and a leaner body;
• Usually on higher elevations.

Question 12

Clay soils in England:

• In which areas is this soil found?
• What features is it known for?
• What do these soils add to a wine?

Answer 12

• Kent and parts of Sussex;
• Better water retention and higher fertility;
• Adds richness and more fruit with lower acidity.

Question 13

New vineyards in England and Wales are planted to what density?

What does this planting density do for the plants?

Answer 13

Medium density, 4000-5000 vines/ha

• increases root competition for water and nutrients;
• contains canopy vigor.

Question 14

What is the most common trellising system used in England and Wales?

What benefits does this provide the vine?

Answer 14

Guyot w/VSP

• retains heat in the fruit zone;
• canopies are easily thinned in order to:
  
  • increase air flow;
  • decrease disease pressure;
  • allow more light to reach the buds/fruit;
  • allow sprays to reach all leaves.

Question 15

Is there a lot of vintage variation in England and Wales?

Answer 15

YES

Yields and quality vary due to:

• marginal climate;
• early-budding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which are at risk for frost damage;
• rain.

These variables keep prices for sparkling wine at premium and super-premium prices.

Question 16

What is the average yield for PDO English sparkling wine (vs. Champagne)?

What is the maximum yield allowed for PDO England sparkling wine?

Answer 16

• PDO English sparkling wine averages 25hl/ha while Champagne averages 66hl/ha;
• Maximum yield for PDO English sparkling wine is 80hl/ha.

Question 17

What are the six grape varieties permitted in sparkling wines made in England and Wales?

Answer 17

1. Chardonnay
2. Pinot Noir
3. Pinot Noir Précoce
4. Meunier
5. Pinot Blanc
6. Pinot Gris

Question 18

What is the PDO for sparkling wine in England and Wales?

Answer 18

PDO English Sparkling Wine

Sussex achieved separate PDO status in June 2022, so sparkling wines from Sussex can carry the Sussex PDO on the label. Sussex PDO must be made from grapes grown in the region and predominantly from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Meunier.

Question 19

PDO English Sparkling Wine must be made using _____ Method.

Answer 19

Traditional Method

Question 20

Sparkling wines made in England and Wales are predominantly Non-vintage or Vintage?

Answer 20

Vintage

Question 21

What is the minimum sur lie aging for PDO English Sparkling Wine?

Answer 21

9 months

Question 22

Most sparkling wines in England and Wales:

• go through MLF
• don’t go through MLF

Answer 22

Go through MLF to reduce the high acidity accumulated due to the cool climate.

There is also an increase in use of reserve wines and NV bottlings.

Question 23

What style are most English and Welsh sparkling wines?

How much of their annual production is exported annually?

Answer 23

• Brut;
• 8% exported.

Question 24

What is the industry body that oversees regulation, marketing, and education of sparkling wine in England and Wales?

Answer 24

WineGB

Read more about WineGB here.

Question 25

One of the major challenges facing sparkling wine producers in England and Wales year in and year out is yield fluctuation due to frost, rain, or rot.

How is it becoming easier, then, for most producers to have consistent stock?

Answer 25

Most producers now have several years of reserve base wines which helps them pivot in both poor years and good years.