Unusual grapes
As mentioned, the UK has become increasingly viticulturally diverse as the wine industry has expanded. Among the more unusual varieties is Swiss hybrid Cabernet Noir, championed by the likes of London’s Blackbook. Sergio Verrillo, co-owner of the urban winery, believes the grape could provide the solution to the “desperate need” for fuller bodied red wines made in the UK.
Other uncommon grapes include Gamay, more normally associated with Beaujolais, but in the UK championed by producers such as Biddenden in Kent.
Bluebell Vineyard in Sussex produces wine from Chasselas, the most widely planted white grape in Switzerland, and Merlot, which winemaker Kevin Sutherland says can be “challenging to say the least”.
Astley Vineyard in Worcestershire meanwhile is known for its Kerner, a cross between Schiava Grossa and Riesling developed by August Herold at the Weinsberg research centre in southern Germany in 1929. According to Wine Grapes, it is named after the 19th century Württemberg doctor Justinius Kerner who recommended that his patients drink a glass of wine “as the best natural medicine”. There are just nine hectares planted in England. Astley makes a still, sparkling and orange Kerner.