England and Wales Flashcards
When did modern grape growing in England and Wales begin? What grape varieties were planted?
After WWII using German crosses and hybrids
When were the traditional Champagne varieties planted in England and Wales with the intention of making sparkling wines?
In the 1980s
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier account for what percentage of production in England and Wales?
Around 65%
What is the character of sparkling white wines from England and Wales?
High acid
Medium alcohol
Light to medium body
Notes of crisp green apple, lemon, and autolytic notes
What are the distinctive characteristics of English and Welsh sparkling wines?
Racy high acidity and just-ripe fruit
What is the quality and pricing of sparkling wine from England and Wales?
Very good to outstanding quality with premium to super-premium prices
How long is the growing season in England and Wales compared to other regions north of the equator? Why?
England and Wales have a latitude above 50°, leading to longer daylight hours and, thus, a longer growing season
How does the combination of climate and daylight hours affect grape growing in England and Wales? How is this beneficial to the production of sparkling wines?
The cool temperatures slow ripening, sugar accumulation, and help to preserve acidity and moderately intense fruit character. Long daylight hours during a long growing season ensure the vines have enough time to photosynthesize and produce viable grapes.
What part of England and Wales accounts for 85% of all sparkling wine production?
Southern England
What is the climate in Southern England?
Cool maritime
How has the climate in Southern England changed since the middle of the 20th Century?
The growing season temperature has risen from 13°C to 14°C
How has climate change affected grape growing in Southern England?
Producers are able to ripen fruit more in more years, though extreme weather such as heavy rain poses a risk to the vines. Earlier budding due to warmer springs also increases risk of frost damage.
What is the biggest threat to Southern England vineyards?
Prolonged rain, especially during budding in June and July
What factors are important when considering the planting of vineyards in England and Wales?
South-facing slopes that maximize sunlight exposure
Protection from prevailing south-westerly winds that hinder flowering and fruit set while also dispersing heat
Good drainage to avoid regularly wet soils and root zone
Altitude below 125m above sea level
What are the principle soil types of Southern England? What do they provide to grapevines? Around which towns can they be found?
Clay, a water and nutrient retaining soil, primarily in Kent and parts of Sussex
Chalk, with good drainage and low fertility, found significantly in Sussex and Hampshire
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Southern England grape growers planting on chalk soils?
Chalk can give wines with more finesse, higher acid, and leaner body, but chalk soils tend to be found at higher altitudes that make them more vulnerable to adverse weathers
What types of sparkling wine is produced from grapes on clay soil in Southern England?
Slightly richer wines with slightly lower acidity and more pronounced fruit
What density are new vineyards planted at in Southern England? Why?
4,000-5,000 vines per hectare (medium density) to increase root competition and decrease vigor
What is the preferred viticultural training system in Southern England?
Guyot with vertical shoot positioning. Narrow rows and low-trained canes maximize heat retention
In Southern England, are vine canopies managed thin, moderately, or allowed to grow thick?
Thin to allow air and light to reach the buds, reduce disease pressure, and allow sprays to reach the leaves
Yields in Southern England are inconsistent. Why?
The cool, damp climate is subject to considerable vintage variation and, thus, fluctuating yields
What is primarily responsible for the low yields in Southern England?
The marginal climate and the plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which don’t flower well in wet, cool springs
What is the overall average yield in Southern England? What yields can Southern England’s best vineyards achieve? How does this compare to Champagne?
24 hl/ha, though the best Southern England vineyards can reach double that. The maximum yield in Champagne is 66 hl/ha.
What factor has led to sparkling wines from Southern England being priced at premium and super-premium levels?
The high vintage variation that leads to unpredictable harvests and inconsistent products.
What grapes are used to produce the majority of Southern English sparkling wines?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Meunier is sometimes used.
What method is used to produce the majority of English and Welsh sparkling wines?
Traditional method
True or False
The sparkling wines of England and Wales are predominantly vintage wines.
True, though some of the larger producers are building a reserve library and moving to non-vintage wines to improve quality and consistency
What is the trend in production toward tank method and Pet Nat wines in England and Wales?
Some producers are starting to create them
What amount of lees aging can be found in English and Welsh sparkling wines?
A varying amount, though EU regulations require 9 months for any sparkling wine with a PDO
Is oak maturation used widely in England and Wales to add richness to sparkling wines?
No, though some producers do use it.
Do sparkling wine producers in England and Wales use malolactic fermentation?
Yes, it is widely used. Some producers on the best sites can risk waiting to pick for ideal acidity
What six varieties are permitted in the use of PDO English sparkling wine? What method must be used?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Précoce, Meunier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris
The wines must be traditional method
True or False
Traditional method wines from England that are made from grapes other than those permitted in PDO England are part of a PGI catchment.
True
What is the maximum yield for PDO England? How often is it exceeded?
80 hl/ha. Even the best producers only reach about half of that number.
What system is used to describe the level of residual sugar in English sparkling wines?
The same as that used in the EU
What is the total area under vine in England? How does this compare to 2000?
2,750 hectares, triple the amount in 2000
What factor is attracting entrants to sparkling wine production in England and Wales?
The affordability of land, especially in comparison to Champagne.
How much of England’s sparkling wine production is consumed locally? How much is exported?
96% consumed domestically
4% exported
How much of England’s sparkling wine is sold at the cellar? Where else has it penetrated the domestic market?
One third of sales occur at the winery. It is also available at specialty wine shops, premium supermarkets, and in the hospitality sector by the bottle or glass.
What is the primary competition to English sparkling wines? Why?
Very good quality Champagne due to the premium pricing of English sparkling wines
How much sparkling wine was produced in England in 2018? What are the projections for future sales in five years and ten years?
2 million bottles in 2018
4 million bottles in 2023
8 million bottles in 2028
What is the major question about the future of English sparkling wines?
Will there be an interest in premium priced sparkling wines from England in the future
What is WineGB?
An English wine industry body that serves as a point of reference and representation for vineyard owners and wine producers in technical services, regulation, marketing, and education.
