Vintage harvest for English wine

Published: 06 January, 2010

English winemakers are predicting 2009 could be one of the best vintages in recent years.

English winemakers are predicting 2009 could be one of the best vintages in recent years.

Many producers are expecting fantastic quality and increased volumes from last year's harvest, with areas including the south east reporting a bumper crop.

With a number of new vineyards now coming into full production, volumes are expected to be considerably higher than the last two years and likely to match and possibly exceed the record 2006 figure of over 3 million bottles.

Across the country the fruit quality was exceptional, with many of the highest sugars ever recorded along with balanced acidity.

Traditional varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier displayed potential alcohol of 11-13% abv, meaning there will be many more unchaptalised wines produced this year.

The warm late spring, early summer weather over flowering followed by a wet July which replenished much needed moisture to the soil and a prolonged warm autumn has produced "grapes of the highest quality: ripe, very clean and free of botrytis", said English Wine Producers.

The first of the 2009 still wines will be available to taste at the English Wine Producers Trade & Press Tasting, on Friday, April 23. English Wine Week 2010 will take place from Saturday, May 29 to Sunday, June 6.