United Kingdom — wine

Sussex Wine Region

Sussex on England's south coast — particularly the chalk North and South Downs — is the epicentre of English sparkling wine's international rise. The same chalk geology as Champagne, similar latitude, and the warming influence of the English Channel create ideal conditions for classic-method sparkling wine from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Still wines are also emerging. Climate change has extended the growing season; Sussex is now producing sparkling wines that compete directly with Champagne at the highest level.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Good English growing season; longer sun hours and the Channel influence produced Classic Cuvée of characteristic freshness.
2022 Exceptional British vintage — the warmest and sunniest on record; Sussex chalk produced sparkling wines of Champagne-competing quality.
2021 Mixed English summer; cool wet conditions challenged ripeness but careful selection delivered characteristic freshness.
2020 Solid Sussex vintage; reliable Channel moderation and chalk sites produced sparkling wines of pleasing structure and length.
2019 Outstanding English vintage; warm concentrated fruit on Sussex chalk produced some of the finest English sparkling wines in history.