SIX Sparkling Reasons to buy Sparkling this Christmas
As we plan at least some festivities to mark this special time of the year, Britain’s own award-winning wine industry has put together some great reasons why we should mark this Christmas with a glass or two of British bubbly. Here at the CSWWC we think its not just a reason to celebrate English and Welsh wines but sparkling wines all around the world 🙂
The below idea’s are from Wine GB, but for us, these reasons apply to any sparkling wine country, region and producer!!
1…It helps the local economy
The UK produces 10.5m bottles1 a year, which has doubled since 2015, and boasts 770 vineyards and 165 wineries from Cornwall to Kent and as far north as Tyne & Wear; the area under vine has quadrupled since 2000 and the industry now employs over 11,000 people full time (up from 8,012 in 20182). There are over 200 vineyards open to the public and even more selling their wines online.
2… It’s sustainable
Drinking home-grown wines this festive season can help reduce your carbon footprint. The industry has developed its own sustainability programme to ensure its long-term future.
3…It’s Versatile
You can serve it as an aperitif, but English & Welsh Sparkling wines pair beautifully with so many foods at Christmas. And there are styles to suit every taste – dry, demi-sec, white, rosé and even red!
4…It’s a true expression of terroir
The cooler English summers and chalk and limestone soils help create crisp, fresh wines with high acidity and delicious orchard fruit aromas, giving our wines their own distinct style.
5…It’s a labour of love
72% of English & Welsh wine production is sparkling. Wines produced using the traditional method in England and Wales will now be referred to as Classic Method, and the long-term aim is to ensure that all of Great Britain’s sparkling wines must include method of production on the label.
6…It’s a country-wide phenomenon
The UK makes wine in all counties in England, north and south Wales and on the borders of Scotland– to find out how you can visit a vineyard, check out WineGB’s guide to exploring the vineyards of Great Britain
Simon Thorpe MW, CEO, WineGB says:
“This year Britain’s vineyards have faced some tough challenges; many had to close their cellar doors to visitors during lockdown and others saw sales suffer due to the temporary closure of their hospitality operations. However, consumers have shown real loyalty to our wines and retail sales both online and via shops saw an impressive rise. More and more wine lovers have been supporting Britain’s wine industry. English and Welsh wines are more widely available and easier to find than ever before, from supermarkets to independent retailers and from the vineyards themselves, both online and from the cellar door – Our message is clear: Buy Local, Buy British this Christmas!”
Photo Credit: Nyetimber
Happy Christmas one and all x
