Bolney Wine Estate pinot gris
Best: Overall
Rating: 10/10
- ABV: 12.5%
- Size: 75cl
If you’re new to English still wine, there’s no better one to sample than this pinot gris from Bolney Wine Estate. Tucked away in rural Sussex, the vineyards are some of England’s oldest and the estate itself is celebrating 50 years of winemaking in 2022, now as a three-generation family business. It now includes five unique Sussex vineyard sites on the edge of the South Downs, around 14 miles from the South Coast. Bolney also leads the way in UK wine tourism, with extensive tours and tastings, a shop, vineyard trail and café with live music events.
The wine is an utter delight to drink too. There’s red, rosé and of course sparkling to savour, but we love this pinot gris, made with grapes fermented in stainless steel tanks. It’s already picked up silver status at last year’s Wine GB Awards and the Decanter World Wine Awards and was even the first English wine to be served at Wimbledon. Smooth and fruity, its pear aromas, citrus zing and hint of spice works perfectly with Asian dishes but we’d be thrilled with a large glass all on its own.