English Red Wines
English wine is no longer just about sparkling whites - our English red wines are quietly making waves, and we're absolutely delighted to champion them. Whilst our collection may be boutique, each bottle tells a story of innovation, determination, and a changing climate that's allowing English winemakers to produce reds of genuine quality and character. These aren't wines we stock out of patriotic duty; they're here because they genuinely deserve a place on your table.
Why English Red Wine Deserves Your Attention
Let's be honest - when most people think of English wine, red isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But that's changing, and rapidly. Warmer growing seasons and improved vineyard practices mean that producers like Sharpham Estate in Devon are crafting English red wine that stands proudly alongside European counterparts. Their Pinot Noir 2022 is a perfect example: elegant, with bright red fruit character and a delicate structure that speaks of cool-climate winemaking at its best.
What we love about supporting British red wine producers is their willingness to experiment and push boundaries. Take Lyme Bay's Christmas Pudding Wine - it's delightfully unconventional, capturing the festive spices and rich fruit character of traditional Christmas pudding in liquid form. It's exactly the sort of innovative, fun approach that makes English winemaking so exciting right now. These wines aren't trying to be Bordeaux or Burgundy; they're confidently English, and that's their strength.
The Story Behind Our English Red Wine Selection
We've chosen these wines for very different reasons, and that diversity is what makes this collection interesting. The Sharpham Pinot Noir represents the serious side of English red wine production - a classically styled, food-friendly wine from one of Devon's most respected estates. Sharpham has been making wine since the 1980s, and their experience shows in every glass. This is a wine that proves English reds can compete on quality and finesse.
Meanwhile, the Lyme Bay Christmas Pudding Wine is pure celebration in a bottle. We stock it because sometimes wine should simply be joyous and fun. It's perfect for the festive season, brilliant as a gift for someone who loves trying unusual wines, and absolutely delicious served slightly chilled with mince pies or Christmas cake. It's these English red wines that showcase the creativity and character of British winemaking.
When to Enjoy These British Red Wine Bottles
Given the distinct personalities of these wines, here's how we'd recommend approaching them:
- Serve Sharpham Pinot Noir lightly chilled (12-14°C) with roasted salmon, duck breast, or mushroom risotto
- Pour Christmas Pudding Wine as a dessert wine alongside festive treats, or try it with strong blue cheese
- Gift the Christmas Pudding Wine to friends who appreciate quirky, characterful wines
- Enjoy the Pinot Noir as an introduction to English red wines for curious guests
Supporting English Winemaking with Quality Red Wines
When you choose English red wine, you're supporting a young but rapidly maturing industry. English vineyards are small-scale, often family-run operations producing limited quantities with genuine care and attention. The Sharpham Estate, for instance, overlooks the River Dart in one of Devon's most beautiful spots - these wines carry a real sense of place.
We'll be honest: this isn't our largest collection, but it's one we're genuinely proud of. As more English producers successfully grow red varieties and as the climate continues to favour longer, warmer ripening seasons, we expect this category to expand. For now, these two bottles represent both the serious and playful sides of British red wine production. Whether you're a committed supporter of English wines or simply curious to try something different, we think you'll find something to enjoy here. And as always, if you'd like recommendations or want to know when we add new English reds to our range, just get in touch - we love hearing from fellow English wine enthusiasts.
