Our Summer Wine Guide to the Best English Sparkling
Whether you’ve celebrated your Ascot win with a glass of Chapel Down or you’re planning to toast Team GB’s Olympic successes with chilled Nyetimber, there’s no doubt: 2024 is the summer of English wine.
With the best British winemakers now producing consistently world-class wines, we asked Laura Rhys, Master Sommelier and wine expert at luxury English producer Gusbourne, to share her favourite summer bottles.
For the Perfect Aperitif
Many of the best English sparkling wines use the same three grapes as Champagne. A great example is Gusbourne’s Brut Reserve 2020. “This is a joyful, approachable and plush Champagne blend,” says Laura Rhys, Master Sommelier.
“If you’re hosting a party, then this is a failsafe wine to accompany just about any canapé.” Plus, the bottle looks incredibly chic. “If you’ve got a crowd coming, then serve it by the magnum for an extra wow factor,” says Laura.
For Poolside Entertaining
Summertime calls for relaxed, effortless style – an approach which is every bit as true for wine as it is for your wardrobe. “Rosé is the quintessential wine style for the warmer months,” says Laura.
“Opt for a crisp, refreshing and fruity style, such as Gusbourne English Rosé 2023. It’s delicious on its own, of course. But you can also serve it with summer salads, lighter fish dishes like barbequed prawns or a vibrant salad of watermelon, tomato and mint.” It’s the perfect package of style and substance.
For an Elegant Alfresco Lunch
\ Choose a sparkling that oozes elegance such as Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2019 – made from Chardonnay grapes. “This has all the freshness, elegance and subtlety required to partner shellfish, sushi and sashimi,” says Laura. “Its citrus notes are the perfect foil to salmon and tuna, while its saline, mineral edge lifts the delicate flavours of white fish and prawns.”
If you’re ordering a bottle or two for your summer staycation, then don’t miss the opportunity to try the ultimate British food/wine pairing: just-fried fish and chips served with chilled English sparkling and a sea view.
For a Grown-Up Feast
Sparkling wines that are made from Pinot Noir rather than Chardonnay tend to be richer, more powerful and bolder in style. “Our Blanc de Noirs 2019 is generous and rounded with flavours of red cherry, ripe strawberry and red apple, alongside a darker, slatey mineral character,” says Laura.
It’s a wine to impress serious foodies – and would be an absolute showstopper alongside a Brat-style whole turbot. “Try it with richer fish dishes such as roasted cod with mussels and chorizo,” says Laura. “Or I love to bring out a bottle alongside the cheeseboard as a finale to a dinner party.”
For the Best BBQ Wine
When the grill’s fired up, people often opt for heavy, powerful reds. But a light, bright Pinot Noir – especially one with a hint of slate and smoke – is a sublime pairing. Not only will this style of red wine be a beautiful match with BBQ classics such as chicken skewers, fish or seared halloumi but it will also refresh your palate.
While Pinot Noir is the grape responsible for the famous (and famously expensive) reds of France’s Burgundy, it’s now possible to grow, and ripen, this delicate and gorgeously flavourful red grape in England.
For an award-winning example, opt for Gusbourne’s Pinot Noir 2022. “It’s brimming with flavours of ripe dark berries, morello cherry and a smoky, earthy note,” says Laura. “I love to bring out a bottle to share with friends over a long summer evening.” Serve very lightly chilled to ensure it’s mouth-wateringly moreish.
