Jane Rakison reveals why English still wines are currently in vogue – and shares five to bookmark
Ask anyone in the wine trade which style turned the UK into a respectable wine producer and the answer will be: sparkling. Still wines have been playing catch-up for two decades, but they’re finally getting the attention – and awards – they deserve.
In this year’s Wine GB Awards, still wines delivered a record performance on the medals front, with South West producers playing a key role in a dynamic new chapter of the English wine story.
UK still wines tend to fall into one of two categories. The first is still wines made with the varietals typically used to make top-brass sparkling wines. These are the grapes also found in Champagne, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and, occasionally, Pinot Blanc. In our ever-warming climate, these grapes are now maturing well enough to make excellent still wines.
The other category is wines made with unusual grape varieties that, previously, people didn’t recognise – and usually couldn’t pronounce. Although grown here for many years, they began to be snubbed when the UK wine scene starting building its reputation as a serious player.
Today, it’s a different story. Bursting with confidence and boasting a haul of competition medals, these lesser-known varieties are much better accepted. And rightly so; they can be just as delicious as any of their better-known counterparts.
Wraxall, Estate Bacchus 2023, Somerset (12.5%)
Crammed with elderflower and lemon flavours, this Bacchus has had its complexity elevated a notch after some of it went into oak barrels. This doesn’t affect the pingy freshness; it just delivers an extra layer of body and peachy flavour. Drink with pan-seared scallops.
£18. Shop here.
Bow in the Cloud, Cloud Nine 2023, Wiltshire (12.5%)
This super-tasty blend of Bacchus with Schönburger has an extra dimension of character thanks to a small portion having spent time in barrel. The famously floral aroma of Bacchus is followed by a creamy texture, then a tangy finish. Enjoy with sesame prawn toast.
£14.85. Shop here.
Smith and Evans, Higher Plot Chardonnay 2023, Somerset (12%)
With ripe and rich aromas of toasted almonds and banana chips, this unfiltered and unfined (and therefore vegan friendly) wine has a lovely earthy and creamy balance. Drink with a rich autumn veg dish like lentil and cauliflower pilaf.
£28. Shop here.
Carvers Hill, Rosé 2024, Wiltshire (12.5%)
From brand-spanking-new winery Carvers Hill (a name to remember), this rosé is the vineyard’s very first release. A blend of Pinot Noir and its cousin Pinot Noir Précoce, this dry pink wine has a fresh salinity with masses of cranberry and pomegranate crunch. Drink with beetroot and hazelnut salad.
£27. Shop here.
Lily Farm, Jurassic Red 2022, Dorset (11%)
This smooth autumnal red is a marriage of two grapes that like to ripen early – handy in the cooler UK climate. Together, Pinot Noir Précoce and Rondo give this red plenty of earthy hedgerow berry flavours. It’s vegan friendly too, and perfect with wild-mushroom risotto.
£17.95. Shop here.
Enjoyed reading our pick of the best English still wines? Discover more curated round-ups.
We choose the companies included in our features based on editorial integrity. Occasionally, some inclusions will be handpicked from clients with whom we have a commercial relationship.
