English sparkling wine has rocketed to the top of the taste charts for its clean lines, fresh garden aromas and delicate, small bubble effervescence. But is it as good as champagne?
The answer is yes – many are just as good, though they are far from identical. Despite using the same grape varieties – chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier – and the way the wines are made being the same, there are differences in climate, daylight, and even the age of the vines that make English sparkling wine different.
Generally speaking, the more you pay, the better the wine – but there are also some real bargains on the shelves that easily challenge champagne. Here are some of the best…
Nyetimber Classic Cuvée
£15 for a half-bottle until 18 August (usually £23), Waitrose
