Red Wine

More and more vineyards in England are producing red wines, pinot noir so far being the most successful, and producing a lighter style than the typical French style.

Bookers vineyard made headlines in October 2007 when it's 2005 Dark Harvest was the joint highest scoring wine in a blind tasting of similarly priced european red wines. The tasting panel was made up of UK wine experts including two of London's top sommeliers – Laure Patry from Maze and Fabrice Hequet from La Noisette. Available from the vineyard in cases of 3 (£26.45), 6 (£52.90) or 12 (£101.95).

www.bookersvineyard.co.uk

Chapel Down Pinot Noir 2005, is aged for a year in French and American barrels which gives it a peppery spiciness, which compliments the fruitiness of the wine. A perfect partner for lamb and game. Available from the vineyard at £12.99 a bottle or £77.94 for 6.

www.chapeldownwines.co.uk

Stanlake Park Wine Estate, formerly Valley Vineyards are proud producers of high-quality English wine and were one of the first English vineyards to win an award for a red wine. The 2002 Pinot Noir is made in the traditional Burgundian method, with a warm fermentation in new French oak barriques. The wine is very smooth, light and silky in character and can either be served at room temperature or very slightly cooler. It will age for a further 5-6 years. Available from the vineyard, orders can also be taken over the phone. £19.99 a bottle.

www.stanlakepark.com

Sandyford Vineyard is part of a 400-acre family farm in rural North West Essex. This Special Reserve 2003 is a full bodied spicy red wine, aged in oak for 6 months and left to mature for 6 years, enhancing the flavour and complexity. It is a blend of Rondo, Regent and Triomphe d'Alsace and is an ideal accompaniment to lamb, game or cheese. Available from the vinyard.