MP says English Sparkling Wine can compete with Champagne

MP Huw Merriman spoke at a House of Commons debate on trade and exports and claimed English sparkling wine is already “beating the great Champagne houses” at their own game.

UK embassies have started using English sparkling wine at events rather than Champagne to promote the country’s wine.

Merriman, the MP for Bexhill and Battle, has praised the government for their support of the English sparkling wine industry.

Just as France’s government wouldn’t use Cava at an event, the UK should represent the nation with it’s own bubbly.

“Within these shores we produce one of the great liquor exports, a drink which puts the colour in the cheeks, rings on fingers and is toasted across the world. I am of course referring to English sparkling wine.”

The English sparkling wine industry is growing rapidly, making £78 million in 2014 and £100 million in 2015. There are now 470 registered vineyards in England and Wales. In 2014 we produced 6.3 million bottles of sparkling wine, an increase of 42% on the previous year.

English sparkling wine has a bright outlook for 2016 and the future ahead, with more people applying to plant vines and sales continually increasing the past few years.