The Wines of Great Britain

Great Britain is a premium wine-producing region with 650 vineyards, producing sparkling and still wines. The Wines of Great Britain is a comprehensive survey of the history, current state, and future prospects of UK wines, with 21 detailed biographies of important producers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2024
Publisher: ACADEMIE DU VIN LIBRARY LIMITED

Great Britain is a renowned wine-producing region, boasting around 650 vineyards across England and Wales, spanning an impressive 2,750 hectares. These vineyards produce a diverse range of sparkling and still wines, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim. In recent years, English and Welsh wines have achieved remarkable success, with Stephen Skelton emerging as a leading authority on the wines of the United Kingdom.

The Wines of Great Britain: A Comprehensive Survey is a comprehensive exploration of the history, current status, and future prospects of the UK wine industry. It begins with an introduction that provides an overview of UK wine in 2019 and speculates on its potential trajectory for the future. Subsequently, Skelton delves into the rich history of winemaking in the UK, tracing its origins from the time of King Alfred in the fifth century to the present-day developments in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

The book then takes readers on a captivating journey into contemporary viticulture and winemaking, examining various trends and practices in plantings, vineyard layout, grape varieties, rootstocks, clones, vineyard sizes, modern wineries, and wine styles. Skelton also explores regional identities and the branding of UK sparkling wines, analyzing their market position and significance.

A substantial portion of this invaluable book is dedicated to the profiles of 21 remarkable producers and the exceptional wines they create. These profiles feature in-depth insights into the backgrounds, philosophies, and winemaking techniques of these esteemed individuals. Some of the notable wineries profiled include Breaky Bottom, Chapel Down, Nyetimber, Oxney Organic Estate, Sixteen Ridges Vineyard, and Yorkshire Heart Vineyard. Additionally, shorter entries provide information on other significant or emerging producers.

The Wines of Great Britain: A Comprehensive Survey is a must-read for anyone with an interest in wine, offering a comprehensive and insightful journey into the world of UK wines. It provides a wealth of information, historical context, and expert analysis, making it an invaluable resource for wine enthusiasts, professionals, and industry stakeholders alike.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913141783