As with the rest of Europe, winemaking was first brought to the UK by the Romans. Throughout the Centuries winemaking was continued in Monasteries - however these were dissolved in the 1500's. However, the 20th Century saw the beginnings of English viticulture, beginning in 1951 when a commercial vineyard that was planted by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones (what a very English name!).
Today there are almost 400 commercial vineyards in England surviving through its trying climate. This climate is typically mild and damp with unfavorable sharp frosts later in the spring. The UK has taken the traditional European techniques and adapted them to this climate. The most noticeable difference for the wine consumer is in the choice of grapes. Again, for those of you knowledgeable about wines from NY, you will know that hardy grape varieties can only be grown in such a climate - America chooses indigenous species and the UK looks to the famous German grape Mûller-Thurgau and other similar, resilient varieties e.g. Huxelrebe, Madeleine-Angevine, Reichensteiner and Schõnburger. The majority of UK wine is made from hybrids like Mûller-Thurgau and Seyvel Blanc.
The afore mentioned hybrids are make the resulting wine fall short of the requirements set down by the EC for "Quality Wine" in England. Note there is no traditional 'Appellation' system in England, but the EC has certain regulations, mainly regarding grape variety, and the wine must go through a tasting panel. A further note in the classification of wine from the UK is that if a bottle of wine is labeled "British Wine" it is certainly made in Britain, but from imported grape concentrate (generally from Cyprus or S. Europe) and it is therefore wine of quite a low quality - it is not described as wine but the term "British Wine" wine made be used (all very complicated!). However, "English Wine" is made from English grapes in England - so pick this label every time and avoid the other!
So, as you would expect, the majority of English wine is white (over 90%) and often acidic - similar to Germany, must-enrichment is permitted. There are some red wines produced but only about 9%. For a real taste of English winemaking visit 'United Kingdom Vineyards' and 'English Wine.com' in my UK wine sites. You can check out some of our vineyards and learn more about how we do it over there! And while you're there, also take a look at the Wine Anorak Site - this is an awesome general wine site with the English flair!
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