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The English sparkling wine takes on Champagne   Even though Britain is not particularly well known for wine making, it does have a very long history in this fine art dating back to the roman times in 43AD. And now it looks like Champagne has got some competition with the wine world buzzing about English sparkling wines! Champagne has been dominant in the field of fizz for centuries. By the time of World War II Champagne had become a major symbol of not only France as a country but as the vanguard of sophistication, style and culture worldwide. In fact during World War II Winston Churchill once motivated the British forces with the claim "Remember, gentlemen, it's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne!". However in the light of recent news from the wine front it seems that the tables might be turning and it is indeed the French who now may need to fight for Champagne. The cool climate and chalky soils of Sussex and Kent prove themselves to be a perfect place to grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier: the same trinity of grapes used to such great effect across the Channel in Champagne. In many cases, the quality of the best English sparklers trumps all but the finest Champagnes and it looks like this style of wine is set for even greater improvement in years to come. In addition to getting that warm and fuzzy patriotic feeling by favouring English sparkling you are also supporting the economy of the countryside. Chief executive Frazer Thompson of Chapel Down, Britain’s leading wine producer, says: “By choosing home-grown sparkling wines people are buying into an exclusive and exciting taste, whilst supporting an ever growing local industry”. Chapel Down month at The Mercer During September The Mercer offers you and your guests a complimentary glass of Chapel Down Brut NV with every dinner reservation. Just quote Chapel Down offer when booking. Awarded a silver medal at the 2007 International Wine Challenge, Chapel Down in Kent is one of the country's leading sparkling wine producers and has won numerous awards both nationally and internationally. Chapel Down is being served in The House of Commons and various Government departments as well as overseas Embassies.

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