English sparkling wines have started to beat grande marque Champagnes to the medals in international competitions.. Top producers Ridgeview, Nyetimber and Camel Valley are extending their vineyards. A new, venture capital funded company has planted 150 ha of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in Hampshire. And now, an application has been made to Brussels for the South Downs to be designated a Protected Denomination of Origin or PDO. The Champenois, who have never taken kindly to challenges to their franchise, have their land agents tramping over the South Downs looking for suitable sites to buy; Taittinger, indeed, already has vines in the ground. It’s all happening here! So, come and taste 6 fine English sparkling wines, made form the same grape varieties, grown in the same soils and in the same way as around Reims and Epernay.
Tutor Pippa Hayward with Sandy Leckie.
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