Overview
England's still wines — led by Bacchus, a German crossing of Silvaner × Riesling × Müller-Thurgau — produce herbaceous, gooseberry-and-elderflower whites of real character. The warmest English counties (Suffolk, Essex, Kent) are ripening Pinot Noir for increasingly convincing still reds. Bacchus is to English still wine what Sauvignon Blanc is to Marlborough — a national calling card.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Pale lemon-green
- Nose
- Gooseberry, Elderflower, Green apple, Nettles and Cut grass.
- Palate
- England's white calling card — herbaceous, elderflower, genuinely English. Generally light-bodied, crisp acidity, dry, with a medium finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Light2/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Moderate2/5
Grapes
BacchusOrtegaPinot NoirChardonnaySolaris
Aromas And Notes
GooseberryElderflowerGreen appleLimeGrapefruitNettlesCut grassWhite flowersHerbsHoneyBeeswax
Terroir
Cool maritime — East Anglia and Kent warmest. Clay and sandy loam over chalk.
Sandy loamClay over chalkGreensandAlluvial
Food Pairings
Fish and chipsDressed crabAsparagusGoat's cheeseSmoked mackerel
Notable Producers
- Camel Valley, founded 1989 - Bacchus Dry
- Terlingham Vineyard, founded 2005 - Bacchus Reserve
- Gusbourne Estate, founded 2004 - Guinevere Chardonnay