02 Jun 2023
Darren McCabe celebrates the delights of English rosé…
This week is Great British Rosé Week (29th May – 4th June), a time to celebrate and appreciate the captivating world of English rosé wines. This dedicated week showcases the craftsmanship, terroir, and diversity that make these wines truly exceptional. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the significance of Great British Rosé Week, highlighting the remarkable qualities that set English rosé wines apart.
The English wine industry has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, with rosé wines taking centre stage. Great British Rosé Week serves as a testament to the flourishing rosé category within the country. English winemakers, with their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, have embraced the art of rosé production, resulting in wines that rival those from renowned rosé regions around the world.
English rosé wines proudly showcase the unique characteristics of the British terroir. From the rolling hills of Kent to the breath-taking landscapes of Cornwall, the vineyards of England boast diverse soils and microclimates that impart distinct qualities to the grapes. Great British Rosé Week invites us to explore the intricate relationship between soil, climate, and grape varieties, ultimately revealing the true expression of the land in every sip.
One of the remarkable aspects of English rosé wines is the wide range of grape varieties used in their production. Winemakers carefully select grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, and Bacchus, among others, to craft rosés that showcase the best of each varietal. This diversity allows for a captivating spectrum of flavours, from delicate and floral to bold and fruit-forward. Great British Rosé Week celebrates this innovative approach, encouraging wine enthusiasts to explore the wealth of flavours and styles that English rosé wines have to offer.
Join me as I raise a glass to Great British Rosé Week and delve into the enchanting world of English rosé wines. I will take you on a journey to discover two remarkable rosé wines that embody the essence of British winemaking. From the captivating story of Lyme Bay Winery to the innovative spirit behind FOLC English Rosé, prepare to be captivated by the artisanship, terroir, and diversity that make English rosé wines truly exceptional.
Lyme Bay Pinot Noir Rose 2021 (£18.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
Nestled in the picturesque Axe Valley of Devon, Lyme Bay Winery is home to LBW Drinks—a small, dedicated drinks company driven by a passion for creating delicious, award-winning beverages.
From Still and Sparkling Wine to Fruit Wine, Cider, Mead, Liqueur, and Spirits, Lyme Bay Winery crafts a range of traditional drinks tailored to the discerning 21st-century palate. Among their impressive offerings, their Rosé wines stand out, capturing hearts with their delightful sensory experience.
At Lyme Bay Winery, conformity is shunned in favour of inventive instincts and creative exploration.
Breaking free from the ordinary, the team relentlessly pursues excellence while adhering to the highest quality standards.
With accreditation for manufacturing quality from the British Retail Consortium (BRCGS), Lyme Bay Winery ensures that every product is crafted with meticulous care.
By sourcing grapes from select growers across the country, they proudly create wines made from the finest grapes found in the best vineyards—an assurance of exceptional quality.
Lyme Bay Winery’s bold and innovative approach has garnered them numerous prestigious awards over the years.
From the International Wine and Spirit Competition to the Decanter World Wine Awards, their products have consistently triumphed.
Notably, their Sparkling Rosé Wine has secured the People’s Choice Wine Award for two consecutive years. Their commitment to excellence is further evidenced by their Jack Ratt Lugger Golden Rum, which triumphed at the People’s Choice Spirits Awards and the London Spirits Competition in 2023.
Their Pinot Noir 2020, the first and only English red wine to achieve an IWSC Trophy, is a testament to their relentless pursuit of quality.
The wine consists of a pale, salmon pink colour, followed by a delicate fruit-forward aroma of red berries complemented by gentle vanilla oak.
On the palate it’s a rich and expressive style of rosé, brimming with flavours of strawberries,
raspberries, and red currants, culminating in a lightly spiced, creamy finish. This versatile wine pairs perfectly with pasta dishes and cheeses, elevating every dining experience.
FOLC English Rosé (£17.95 from Cellar Door Wines, St Albans)
FOLC, a brand rooted in the joy of community and the beauty of rural English life, emerged in 2019.
Founded by Elisha Cannon (nee Rai) and Tom Cannon, FOLC embraces the small pleasures and transparency, weaving them into every bottle of their exceptional wines.
I had the privilege of meeting Elisha and Tom last year when they invited me to the launch event of their 2021 vintage and was inspired by their journey into the world of wine.
In the heart of England’s first taste of lockdown life, FOLC was born—a testament to treasured moments shared with loved ones.
Elisha and Tom left behind their fast-paced city jobs, channelling their passion for winemaking into a rosé that embodies the essence of rural England. FOLC English Rosé captures the spirit of hazy summer days, evoking images of lingering picnics and enchanting al fresco dinners.
FOLC shatters conventions and champions inclusivity, with co-founder Elisha breaking barriers as one of the few women of colour in the UK wine production business. Transparency and responsibility lie at the core of FOLC’s winemaking process.
Accredited with the WineGB Sustainability Scheme, FOLC ensures environmental stewardship and sustainability, making it a choice that aligns with your values.
Despite its youth, FOLC has garnered recognition and accolades from renowned competitions.
Awarded Gold at the Independent English Wine Awards and one of only two medals for still English rosé at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, FOLC English Rosé showcases its excellence.
Further success followed with silver medals from WineGB and the International Wine Challenge competitions.
In 2022, FOLC triumphed at the Harpers Wine & Spirits competition, earning three medals, including the prestigious ‘Star of Kent’ award. FOLC now boasts the highest-scoring still English rosé in the country.
FOLC challenges the notion that owning vineyards is a prerequisite for winemaking. Instead, they carefully select grapes from exceptional family-run vineyards, allowing the natural rhythms of the seasons to enhance their flavours.
With the grapes journeying to FOLC’s skilled winemakers in Canterbury, every step of the winemaking process upholds unwavering excellence.From grape to glass, FOLC’s winemakers are masters of their craft, delivering a dry, fresh, and undeniably delicious rosé experience. Aromas of sweet ripened peaches and raspberry are complemented by freshly cut herbs. And of the palate, red apples, merge with strawberries and cream.
As Great British Rosé Week continues, wine enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of English rosé wines. From vineyard tours and tastings to virtual events and educational experiences, the week-long celebration offers something for everyone.
So, raise a glass, toast to the elegance and charm of Great British rosé wines, and join the festivities during this exciting week of appreciation and exploration. Cheers to Great British Rosé Week! And if you’re wanting to enjoy FOLC in the sunshine, why not head to the Silver Cup in Harpenden where you can enjoy it by the glass on their wonderful terrace.
