Sainsbury’s adds English sparkling to top own-label range

Sainsbury’s has added an English sparkling wine to its premium own-label, Taste the Difference range, for the first time.

The English Sparkling Brut 2007 was produced to the supermarket’s own specifications by Denbies Wine Estate’s chief winemaker, John Worontschak.

The wine, priced at £19.99, is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, all grown in Denbies’ 107ha (265 acres) of vineyards in the Surrey hills – England’s largest vineyard.

Produced using the traditional method, the wine is described by Denbies as ‘fresh, elegant and rich with buttery, biscuity notes’.

Sainsbury’s resident winemaker, Lucy Clements, who oversaw the wine’s production, said of Denbies, ‘They are technically advanced, experienced winemakers who really “get” what we look to offer our customers.’

‘The growth of the English wine industry has been hugely supported by major retailers like Sainsbury’s,’ added Christopher White, Denbies Wine Estate general manager.

‘It is a great coup for Denbies to be selected by Sainsbury’s as part of their premium range, who have also secured two further vintages to meet demand.’

The news comes after wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd reported a 50% increase in sales of English sparkling wine in 2011.

Meanwhile, research from Wine Intelligence suggested regular UK sparkling wine consumers would rather drink domestic fizz than Champagne.

Written by Richard Woodard