English Sparkling Wine Britagne or Merret? A Sparkling Success!

Italy has prosecco, Spain has cava and with the continuing success of English sparkling wine many think the time has come to have a catchy name for it – suggestions include Merret or Britagne. Marks & Spencers have reported a huge 70% increase in sales over the last 12 months.

The grapes used in France to make traditional champagne are now grown in the UK. The climate at vineyards such as Manstree Vineyard Shillingford St John near Devon make it ideal wine making conditions.

So why has this come about now? Many think the term sparkling wine doesn’t do justice to the quality of the wine being produced and the term is just too general and bland. Finding the correct name will appeal to consumers, the international wine industry and restauraters alike.

Wine producer Christian Seely from wine producer Coates & Seely suggest the name Britagne whilst Mike Roberts of wine producer Ridgeview think the name Merret should be adopted.

The name to give to English sparkling wine is set to be debated this month by the trade body English Wine Producers