Raise a glass to English wine this Good Friday: Richard Esling April 7

In these unprecedented times, which are having an immense impact on both health and business, it is heart-warming to read of so many acts of kindness and generosity in helping those most vulnerable, together, of course, with the amazing work being done by thousands in the NHS.
Jenkyn Place Brut 2014 SUS-200604-123751001Jenkyn Place Brut 2014 SUS-200604-123751001
Jenkyn Place Brut 2014 SUS-200604-123751001

Apart from the obvious difficulties created by the necessary imposition of social distancing, the effect on livelihoods of great numbers of people across the country, and indeed the world, is colossal. There are many initiatives from various businesses and business groups to aid survival through to better times, one of which concerns our fabulous emerging English wine industry.

In relative terms, English wine producers are all small businesses and the effects of business closures are substantial. To help these struggling heroes of English viticulture, now more than ever, the wine drinking public needs to support them by purchasing a bottle or two for Big English Wine Good Friday! If everyone who enjoys good wine did this, it would make an enormous difference to these small businesses.

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To help in this endeavour, more than 25 English wine producers are offering free delivery, many with a minimum order of just one bottle. Digby Fine English, based in Arundel, is one of these, together with other top producers such as Ridgeview in Ditchling, Nyetimber in Pulborough and Wiston Estate – all of which I put firmly into my top ten of English sparkling wine producers, and all of whom are based in Sussex.

Producers in other parts of the south of England are also offering free delivery, such as Simpsons in Kent and one of my favourites from Hampshire – Jenkyn Place. The Classic Cuvée Brut 2014 is made in a true ‘champagne’ style, but with that sometimes indefinable ‘Englishness’ in its character. Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are the three classic grape varieties of Champagne, the wine is beautifully dry, fresh and aromatic, with delicacy and elegance. Some aromas of fresh brioche from long bottle ageing mingle with apple, melted butter and elderflower. Subtly vibrant and dynamic. Around £30 per bottle direct from the vineyard or through the specialist online English wine supplier, Elizabeth Rose Wines, which is also offering free delivery with code EASTER2020.

Apart from offering free delivery to mainland UK with no minimum spend, Balfour Hush Heath Estate in Kent is also giving a 15 per cent discount to any NHS workers, as is Greyfriars Vineyard in Surrey, for a minimum spend of £30.

“If every person in the UK that loves English or Welsh wine bought a bottle direct from their favourite producer, I think we might secure an entire industry and their workforce in one very enjoyable evening,” said Jacob Leadley, of Black Chalk Winery.

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This Good Friday, April 10 at 7pm, English wine drinkers and producers alike are going to show their support for the industry by buying and drinking their favourite English still and sparkling wines. Follow the hashtag to get involved. #theBIGenglish
winegoodfriday.

So don’t delay! Get those orders in now.

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