Whilst we have always been proud of our English sparkling wine producer, Cottonworth, it seems like the rest of the world is starting to ‘cotton on’.

The Cottonworth Classic Cuvée was recently awarded the English Sparkling Non-Vintage White Trophy at the 2017 International Wine Challenge, which given the growing reputation of English sparkling wines is no mean feat. Being described as follows by the judges: “Fresh elegant aromas, with good intensity and baked redcurrants. Lively and fresh, with a fine mousse. Precision of the pure citrus fruit complemented by some richness and depth. Refined and expressive. Fabulous.”

This was followed up by a 90 point review for the Sparkling Rosé from The Wine Gang, who noted the “pink, floral scents on a palate of succulent, polished, summer red-berry fruit and fine, orangey acidity.”

The Liddell family have farmed at Cottonworth, in the Test Valley, for five generations. They planted their first vines in 2005, and the vineyard has grown ever since. Hugh Liddell, who runs the wine side of the farm, worked and studied in Burgundy, and has since done vintages in South Africa and New Zealand as well as gaining a viticulture and oenology degree from Plumpton College, allowing him to be fully hands-on in the production of these exceptional wines.