Sparkling English wines are at last being taken seriously, with demand predicted to outstrip supply six times over in the run up to Christmas.
Their reputation has soared both at home and abroad, raising the spectre of empty shelves, said English Wine Producers, a marketing association.
“Both the Chinese and Japanese can’t get enough of it. Our wines are also selling well in Scandinavia and the U.S,” said spokeswoman Julia Eve.
Chapel Down, the country’s largest producer, said it had already turned away business. For the past two years, Britons have bought twice as much sparkling wine as champagne, said retail analyst Mintel. Waitrose has seen demand for our grapes nearly double in the past year and has become the first British retailer to plant its own vines on its 1,600-hectare (4,000 acre) farm.
“Existing producers are extending vineyards dramatically and numerous new vineyards are being planted,” said its master of wine, Dee Blackstock.
By 2015, 3.7 million bottles of domestic sparkling wine will be sold, accounting for two-thirds of all English sales, up from less than half now, said the association.
Jo Steele, Metro, 3 November 2008
