Climate Change Fuels the Rise of English Sparkling Wines with Major Investments
CHILHAM – This September marks a significant milestone in the wine industry with the release of the first “Made in UK” label by Taittinger, one of the most prestigious Champagne houses. Produced at Domaine Evremond in Chilham, Kent, this highly anticipated wine represents a joint venture with Hatch Mansfield, Taittinger’s commercial partner in the UK. This venture underscores the rapid advancements in English sparkling wine, which, thanks to climate change, is now being recognized for its potential to rival traditional Champagne.
A New Era for English Sparkling Wine
The debut of Taittinger’s English sparkling wine is not just a milestone for the company but also a testament to the remarkable evolution of the English wine industry. Thirty years ago, the idea of producing high-quality sparkling wine in England was almost laughable. Today, however, with rising temperatures making parts of England ideal for viticulture, the landscape has dramatically changed. Taittinger is not alone in this venture; other major wine brands like Pommery and Henkell Freixenet are also investing in English sparkling wine, further solidifying its future.
Strategic Investment and Unique Terroir
In October 2015, Taittinger purchased approximately 70 hectares of land in Kent, alongside their long-time partner Hatch Mansfield. This acquisition was both a strategic expansion and a reflection of the enduring friendship between Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger and Patrick McGrath, CEO of Hatch Mansfield. By May 2017, 30 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier had been planted. The region’s chalky sub-soil shares the same geological structure as Champagne’s renowned Côte des Blancs, providing an ideal terroir for producing high-quality sparkling wine.
The Role of Climate Change
The warming climate has played a pivotal role in making English sparkling wine a serious contender on the global stage. As Patrick McGrath of Hatch Mansfield explains, “English wine was a joke 30 years ago. Now it certainly isn’t. One of the strengths of English sparkling wine is its acidity. It’s slightly more edgy than Champagne, which is a bit more mature and fat.” This unique acidity, combined with the evolving viticultural practices, positions English sparkling wine as a distinct and desirable product.
Other Major Players
Taittinger is not the only Champagne house to recognize the potential of English soil. Pommery began its English adventure in 2017 with the planting of vines at the Pinglestone estate in Hampshire. The estate received sustainability certification in 2021 and is set to release its first vintage soon. Similarly, Henkell Freixenet, a global leader in sparkling wines, acquired Bolney Wine Estate in 2022. Bolney, founded in 1972, is one of the pioneers of English sparkling wine and continues to innovate under new ownership.
Looking Ahead
With the release of Taittinger’s first English sparkling wine, the industry is set to see how this new entrant will compete with its French and American counterparts. Domaine Evremond, named after a 17th-century French writer and Champagne enthusiast, symbolizes the blending of English innovation with traditional French expertise. Located just an hour from London, Domaine Evremond is poised to become a landmark in the English wine industry.
This September, as Taittinger’s English sparkling wine hits the shelves, it heralds a new chapter in the world of fine wine. With climate change altering the dynamics of viticulture, England’s future as a sparkling wine powerhouse looks increasingly promising. As major brands continue to invest and innovate, the English sparkling wine industry is not just bubbling up but is ready to burst onto the global stage.
