ENGLAND is increasingly renowned for the quality of its traditional method sparkling wine. From Cornwall to Kent, the terroir of the south of England in terms of soils, aspect and climate are perfect to grow the classic Champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meurnier.

Yet still wines are now becoming an increasingly popular with English wineries. Whether single varieties or blends, the skills of winemakers are improving every year, creating high-quality still wines using Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Bacchus and a host of other grapes that thrive here.

While there is an economic imperative to produce still wines – they don’t need so much time in the bottle nor such a complex production process as traditional method sparkling wines, meaning they can be sold much quicker – for many years English still wines simply haven’t been up to scratch or competitively priced.

An interesting development within the industry over the past couple of years has been the rise of English rosé.

The cool climate of the UK means winemakers can craft both light and full bodied rosé wines, often using the Pinot Noir grape that thrives here.

“Much of the rose in the market has come from warm regions such as Provence, Portugal and South Africa,” said Tony Milanowski of Rathfinny Estate in Alfriston. “To make the light and refreshing styles of wine, grapes need to be picked early and don’t necessarily get the full flavour development compared to that of a normal table wine.

“In the UK, we have a cool season – and longer development – which makes for slow and steady ripening and, potentially, great flavour development. Furthermore, the cool climate here means we retain lots of refreshing acidity, making it a great thirst quenching drink on a summer’s day.”

One Sussex vineyard is exclusively focusing on still rosé wines. Kristina Studzinski, co-owner of Off The Line vineyard near Hailsham, said: “The decision to focus on rosé grew out of a personal passion to make a quality still wine in England.

“Still wines have a purity about them given the close connection between quality of the fruit and quality of the wine which appeals to me as a vine grower and wine maker.

“The public only really wants to buy the very pale looking pinks, even though some of the darker styles are equally delicious. They are really versatile and match to most food styles, so they are useful wines for occasions when you there are many different dishes on the table.”

Wines to consider:

Hip Rosé 2018, Pinot Noir rosé, 10.5 per cent

Off The Line, Hellingly

Produced by Off The Line – a new relatively new vineyard and winery near Hailsham that specialises exclusively in rosé wines – the Hip Rosé not only has an eye-catching label but a uniquely English taste profile. Dry with high acidity on the palate, the wine is sweet and fruitful on the nose. This wine will pair well with fatty foods that the acidity will cut through.

Oxney Organic 2018, Pinot Noir rosé, 12.5 per cent

Oxney Organic Estate, Rye

The really strong fruity notes of Pinot Noir come through with this wine – particularly strawberries. There is also an edge of earthiness which is often typical of organic wines. Its rounded and low in acidity, making it easy drinking.

Cradle Valley 2018, Pinot Noir rosé, 11 per cent

Rathfinny Estate, Alfriston

This is a first release from the huge Rathfinny Estate that is one of the largest single estates in Europe. Uniquely, it’s in a green bottle which obviously disguises the fact it’s a rosé wine but also helps avoid the “light strike” that rapidly affects rosé wines in clear bottles. The wine itself has a stunningly pale Provence rosé colour and screams kiwi and gooseberry rather than berry fruits. There’s not a lot on the nose but this wine is very rounded in the mouth with a pleasingly lingering taste.

Ditchling Rosé 2018, Pinot Noir and Rondo rosé, 12 per cent

Court Garden, Ditchling

Without doubt, this rosé from Court Garden is incredibly easy drinking and it has enough body to pair with strong food flavours. Alongside the taste of summer fruits, there is a slight note of straw, which will really work with powerful dishes with garlic and artichoke. A wine for all occasions.

Ashdown Rosé 2018, Pinot Noir and Merlot, 11.5 per cent

Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Furners Green

Without doubt, an interesting blend as the Merlot grape isn’t the most dynamic in terms of flavour profile. However, Bluebell have achieved a very unique wine with tones of violet leading on to cranberry and sharp rhubarb. The nose is fruity but the wine is less sweet on the palate. Definitely an easy drinking, quaffing wine for the garden.

Dancing Dog 2018, Regent, Pinot Noir and Rondo, 11.5 per cent

Off The Line, Hellingly

This is a surprisingly complex rosé wine for England. There’s not much on the nose but the taste at the front of the mouth is spicy with a touch of green leaves and slight bitterness. Without doubt its refreshing and more-ish.

Hindleap Rosé 2015 sparkling, Pinot Noier and Pinot Meunier, 12 per cent

Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Furners Green

A classic traditional rosé sparkling wine with a really great effervescent mousse; pleasantly nutty on the palate with flavoursome sweet fruits on the palate. Definitely one a wine to match with shellfish – crab, shrimp or lobster would be perfect pairings.