According to experts, the British climate is now almost perfect for growing grapes that will make award winning, vintage sparkling wines that will rival the best vintage Champagnes from France. I've tried some of them and can assure you that the ones I've tried are world class.

I only really comment on wines I’ve personally tried so I’ll be honest and say that my experience is limited to the excellent Camel Valley winery in Cornwall and their range of sparkling, white, red and rose wines although, as a result of my trip to their vineyard, I will certainly be seeking out more in the very near future. As such, here is a showcase of what Camel Valley have to offer.

Camel Valley’s pièce de résistance is their sparkling ‘Cornwall’ Brut. I ran a blind taste test this New Year's Eve with friends against some very well known (and more expensive) competition Champagnes and Camel Valley’s won easily as the most drinkable and tasty of the bunch.

On top of this, my wife loves their Bacchus Dry white wine which has a gorgeous taste and, for me, combined the best bits of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio with its distinctive fruity bouquet and a grapey flavour. My personal favourite was their Atlantic Dry, which I thought had more flavour and less of the bite that some Pinot Grigios have. Although to be honest, I think I would be exceptionally happy with any.

Recent Awards:

2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC)
- Silver Medal 2009 Camel Valley Pinot Noir Rose Brut
- Silver Medal 2008 Camel Valley White Pinot Noir Brut
- Bronze medal 2009 Camel Valley Chardonnay Brut

2011 International Wine Challenge (IWC):
- Silver medal 2008 Camel Valley White Pinot Noir Brut
- Bronze medal 2009 Pinot Noir Rose Brut,
- Bronze medal 2009 Camel Valley Brut,
- Bronze medal 2009 Annie’s Anniversary Brut,
- Bronze medal 2010 Camel Valley Atlantic Dry and
- Bronze medal 2010 Camel Valley Bacchus and
3 Highly Commended.

If you like wine, now is a great time to start drinking British and making sure that these artisans get some of the love they rightly deserve. Get out there and start sampling what we have on offer!

http://www.camelvalley.com
http://adventuresinpubs.co.uk/wine/camel-valley/

Dave is our man dedicated to showcasing the finest pubs, bars, wines and beers, helping some true artisans get the recognition they deserve. www.adventuresinpubs.co.uk see all articles from Adventures In Pubs