English Sparkling versus Champagne

England shares with Champagne the exact same seam of chalk that runs from Chablis then dives under the Channel only to re-emerge in the south downs. Some claim that both regions have the same terroir as a result, dismissing the fact that England is at the northern limit for viticulture, for there is a good reason why commercial wine has only been grown in this country since the 1950s!

The young Sparkling Wine Industry had to build itself from scratch whereas Champagne, which originated the method, is stripped in tradition and savoir faire. English Sparkling wine has nonetheless been winning awards against some of the best Champagne houses, so let’s compare them and see. This wrestling match in wine form should put one in a festive mood, shouldn’t it?

Speaker: Eric Lagré Sommelier- the East India Club

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