English Wine Week and a new membership.

At The English Wine Week tastings I have been running this weekend at The Art, Design & Taste of Summer Show at Blenheim there have been plenty of people who had never tasted English wines previously. Having said that, once they have given the sparkling wines – Chapel Down and Balfour Rose – whites – Three Choirs and Brightwell – and rose – Three Choirs – a go their response has been very positive. The Chapel Down Bacchus 2009,spicy and citrus, with good weight,has received a rattling response in my World Cup wine tastings.
From my perspective, the 2009s whites and rose are showing well, with both the freshness and attractive fruit flavours proving an appealing cocktail.
English Wine Producers really need to

capitalise on the 2009 vintage, push Bacchus as a punter friendly varietal and continue to develop fans for subtle,elegant sparkling wines like Balfour Rose.