English elegance!

Knut Bjørnar Asphol - June 28, 2023

England is renowned for its Rolls-Royce, The Beatles, and Big Ben. However, many may not be aware that they also have a very good wine production.

Wine production thrives in the southern part of the country, particularly in the areas of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Historically, we know that the Romans arrived in England as early as 43 AD, and they undoubtedly brought along vine plants. Interestingly, they made landfall in the very area where Simpsons currently cultivates their vineyards. The Roman influence fostered a tradition of wine production that endured until 1348, when the devastating Black Death outbreak brought it to an unfortunate halt. However, it would be many years before wine production would experience a resurgence. During this period, England developed close ties with Portugal and embraced the importation of port wine. The nation also took early strides in importing wines from Bordeaux, France. The 1950s marked a turning point, with the establishment of vineyards in England. In the early 1990s, the esteemed producer Nyetimber emerged, setting a high standard for quality sparkling wines. This pivotal moment set the wheels in motion for English wine. While geographically positioned slightly further north than the traditional grape-growing regions, England has paradoxically benefitted from the effects of climate change. Today, it has evolved into a wine region with great potential. The climate in southern England now mirrors the conditions that Champagne enjoyed roughly half a century ago. Producers such as Gusbourne and Nyetimber have garnered numerous accolades and prestigious awards in recent years.

A while ago, a waiter at a restaurant brought me three glasses of red wine for a blind tasting with a dish. That means I didn't know which wine was in each glass. One of these wines gave me that great wow effect that I seek in new flavors in food and wine. I could tell it was a red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape, but I couldn't quite place it. Where could it be from? The wine was fresh and good with elegant aromas. This could actually become a new favorite! Surprisingly, I found out that it was a wine from the producer Simpsons, located in the southeast of England, specifically from Kent. This region is known for its chalky soil and is situated near the famous white cliffs of Dover. The area shares the same chalk seam that runs under the English Channel and continues to Champagne and Burgundy. I became curious. I had to get to know this producer better.

To achieve optimal grape ripening, it is advisable to plant vineyards between the 30th and 50th parallels both north and south. Beyond these boundaries, the climate tends to be either excessively cool or hot. However, with the persistent threat of climate change, these boundaries are continuously shifting. In the case of England, this has resulted in a climate that lends itself favorably to wine production. The cool climate imparts grapes with vibrant acidity. The slow ripening process allows the grapes to retain their acidity for as long as possible. Conversely, in overly warm climates, grapes ripen too quickly, resulting in heightened sugar levels and reduced acidity. A suitable analogy can be drawn to Norwegian strawberries. These berries take their time to ripen, developing the renowned fresh and flavorful taste that is distinctly Norwegian. By contrast, strawberries grown in warmer regions mature at a faster rate, possessing less complexity and a less refined flavor profile.

Simpsons' Wine Estate was established in 2012 and is run by the couple Ruth and Charles Simpson. The plan was originally to only make sparkling wine, but they quickly realized they could also start producing white, red, and rosé wines. I have tasted three of their wines.

Simpsons Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir 2021

Item number-Norway 11430801

Kent, England

Grapes - Pinot Noir

Sugar content - below 3 g/l

Alcohol 13,5%

Score - 91

Dice rating - 6

I don't know what makes this wine so appealing to me. The freshness and minerality remind me of picking wild strawberries on the rocky shore. After all, I grew up by the sea in the northwest of Norway. I remember the splash of water from the waves hitting the shore while gathering berries from the heath. I really enjoy the freshness of this wine.

Elegant and fruity pinot noir. Cool scent of fresh red and blueberries. Currants, raspberries, and blueberries. Smooth and soft mouthfeel with a good balance of spices and berries. This is the wine you can sit for hours just sniffing. Recommended for light meats, beef, and game. Or simply enjoy it to savor life! One of my favourite red wines.

Simpsons Flint Fields Blanc de Noirs 2018

Item number-Norway 11430701

Kent, England

Grapes - Pinot Noir

Sugar content - 6,1 g/l

Alcohol 12,5%

Score - 89

Dice rating - 6

A fine sparkling wine that has won many awards in England. English sparkling wines have an incredibly high quality, and this wine is no exception. Hints of citrus and red apples. Minerals and salt. Elegant aroma and taste of brioche, biscuits, and nuts. Creamy mouthfeel. Fine structure with a dry aftertaste. Suitable for an aperitif, fish, and shellfish. A great wine for a cheese platter.

Simpsons Gravel Castle Chardonnay 2021

Item number-Norway

Kent, England

Grapes - Chardonnay

Sugar content - below 3 g/l

Alcohol 12,5%

Score - 88

Dice rating - 5

If you need a zesty and light wine, then this is a good choice. White wine made from the Chardonnay grape. Aromas of lemon peel, salt, minerality, and herbs. Refreshing and light. Light-bodied. Citrus and salt in the aftertaste. High acidity structure requires some resistance and richness in the food. Would pair well with salmon and trout. Shellfish.

English Elegance!

England is renowned for its Rolls-Royce, The Beatles, and Big Ben. However, many may not be aware that they also have a very good wine production.

Simpsons' Wine Estate was established in 2012 and is run by the couple Ruth and Charles Simpson. The plan was originally to only make sparkling wine, but they quickly realized they could also start producing white, red, and rosé wines. I have tasted three of their wines.

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