Frost hits English Vineyards

We’ve already heard how frost has affected vineyards in Champagne. Now the frost has hit some vineyards in England, with Albury stating the frost has caused damage to 80% of buds. When frost is forecast, it’s all hands on deck with the lighting of  ‘bougies’ (French for ‘candle’) and burners throughout the vineyards. These ‘bougies’…

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The Case for English Bubbles

I’ve always loved bubbles, but I must admit, I haven’t always been fussy. In fact, when I first moved to London eight years ago, a £5 bottle of Tesco Cava did the trick, not that there’s anything wrong with that… These days, well, my income stretches a little further and let’s just say, like a…

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Tips to Impress with a Sparkling Valentine’s Meal

There’s something very romantic about a home cooked meal, enjoyed over candlelight with a glass of bubbly. Whether or not cooking is your strong point, you can always win over your date with a good bottle of sparkling wine. Here are some tips on how to impress during your meal! Set the mood Prepare before…

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Exciting Times Ahead for English Sparkling Wine in 2017

The demand for English and Welsh sparkling wine is growing, with vineyards in the UK doubling over the past 10 years to 5,000 acres, including 30 new vineyards in the last two years alone. The industry now boasts sales of around 100 million pounds a year. UK wine producers have made great leaps in recent…

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Export Record for English Sparkling Wine

The UK drinks industry is celebrating a huge year for English sparkling wine exports. In 2016, English sparkling wine producers managed to secure 8 more export markets, bringing the total up to 27 countries. Sparkling wine makes up almost 70% of the UK’s wine production and is quickly becoming renowned globally thanks to its high…

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Digby Earns its Stars & Stripes

The whirlwind launch of Digby Fine English in the United States last month has seen its flagship, 2010 Vintage Reserve Brut, being listed at Alinea in Chicago which has three Michelin stars. Trevor Clough, CEO of Digby, commented: “Chef Grant Achatz’s Alinea is famous for blurring the lines between art, theatre and food, a glorious…

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Can English Sparkling Wine Overtake Prosecco?

English sparkling wine is made in the same way as Champagne, with a second fermentation in the bottle. Prosecco, however, is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Because Prosecco is quicker to make it has a cheaper price point compared to English sparkling wine which takes longer…

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