Digby Fine English Sparkling Wine launches in Hyde Park

While most lament the unpredictability of an English summer, those at Digby Fine English embrace it, particularly the summer of 2009, the year of their inaugural collection of sparkling wines: Vintage Reserve Brut and Vintage Brut Rosé.

When thinking of fine sparkling wine (carbonated wine, typically white or rosé, that can range from very dry ‘’brut’’ styles to sweeter ‘’doux’’ variations), one might think of the lush vineyards of France or juicy grapes swelling under the Italian sun. Either way, it is not the English countryside that comes to mind. Addressing this gap in the market, Digby Fine English proves – without the frivolity of French champagne or the seriousness of Italian prosecco, but with that inherently English sense of humour and light-heartedness – that there really can be such a thing as fine English sparkling wine.

To celebrate the launch, guests were invited to revel in the exquisiteness of the English summer (a mix of sun, dappled clouds, and the bulge, somewhere, of a raincloud) at the Bowling Green and Club House Gardens in Hyde Park. A white marquee, the Bowling Gardens in England’s most prized Royal Park, waiters dressed like Jeeves, a gaggle of people standing around and talking about the weather, and delicious canapés (goats cheese and sundried tomato tarts, salmon blinis and quiche) recalled the classic Englishness the brand encapsulates.

Blending English chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes, the 2009 Reserve Brut is light, crisp, and refreshing, recalling 2009’s summery September: the perfect addition to any picnic. Slightly sweeter and more delicate, the 2009 Brut Rosé is a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes from southern England, which one imagines drinking on a balmy evening before going out to dinner.

From the eccentricity of Brideshead to the quaintness of your great aunt’s back garden, Digby Fine English bottles quintessential Englishness and puts English sparkling wine on the map.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Tish Weinstock

For further information about Digby Fine English and stockists visit here.