Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018, an English sparkling wine, has claimed one of the top honors at the esteemed Decanter World Wine Awards, signaling a significant achievement for the UK

wine industry. For the first time, red, white, and rosé wines from the UK have garnered recognition alongside renowned global contenders.

Despite previous skepticism from critics, the changing acidity levels in the UK's soil have contributed to the rise of homegrown wines that rival those from traditional wine-producing countries like France, Spain, and Italy. At the Decanter Awards, a total of 143 UK wines were awarded, with one particular wine from Kent earning the prestigious "best in show" title. This wine was praised for its "citrus purity, a seaside freshness, and an unmistakable stoniness."

Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018 stood out with its remarkable assurance and accomplishment, capturing the attention of wine enthusiasts. Additionally, winemakers from Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent received gold medals for their exceptional creations.

Ridgeview's Rosé de Noirs 2018, another standout wine priced at £65, secured a platinum medal. The East Sussex winery impressed the judges with its full-bodied palate, rich flavors, and the unique combination of oak and sparkling rosé. Hampshire wines also performed admirably, as Hambledon Vineyard's Premier Cuvée Brut NV (£55), Candover Valley Wines' Brook Brut NV (£33), and Raimes Classic Brut 2018 (£31) all claimed gold medals.

Interestingly, a blind taste test conducted in Champagne, France revealed that the French themselves favored English sparkling wine over their own renowned Champagne. Chapel Down, a Kent-based wine producer, presented its Brut alongside a popular branded Champagne under the name "Chapelle en Bas." The surprising result showed that 60% of the French consumers preferred Chapel Down's English sparkling wine, praising its freshness and crispness.

The success of UK wines at the Decanter Awards highlights the increasing volume and quality of still wines from the region. The sparklers, in particular, continue to impress as the category matures, proving that faith in English wines is well-founded. The Decanter Awards, known as the most esteemed wine competition worldwide, featured a panel of 236 judges from 30 countries, including experts such as Masters of Wine and sommeliers.

This achievement follows the recognition of English wines in the International Wine Challenge, where Lyme Bay Winery received the English White Trophy for its Martin's Lane Chardonnay 2020, and Lympstone Manor Estate won the English Red Trophy for its Triassic Pinot Noir 2020. It is a significant milestone as still English wines were recognized for both red and white for the first time.

The UK's growing success in the wine industry underscores its emergence as a producer of world-class wines, not only in the sparkling category but also in still wines, reflecting the country's commitment to excellence and innovation in winemaking. Photo by David Anstiss, Wikimedia commons.