wines I’m drinking this AUTUMN )

Sparkling
HATTINGLEY ENGLISH GENT

Artisan Wine & Spirit Co in Salisbury offer a diverse and ever-changing list of wines to enjoy by the glass in their shop cum wine bar. It’s there that I discovered this fantastic English fizz.

It’s made with Pinot Gris and Bacchus, so rather than the standard English sparkling/Champagne flavours, it’s much more (but not overtly) aromatic, with flavours of elderflower, white blossom and Granny Smith apple.

A lovely change from the norm.

White
GREYFRIARS PINOT BANC 2025

I met Simon from the Greyfriars vineyard team at Plumpton earlier this year, and was excited to learn that they make a variety of still white wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay . I swiftly ordered one of each!

The Pinot Blanc, just £16, is now one of my favourite still English whites; super light with delicate floral notes and ripe pear on the finish. It’s only 11% ABV too.

ROSE
BLACK CHALK DANCER IN PINK 2025

I’m clinging onto the last days of summer and opting for this sublime still rosé from Black Chalk. I love that Black Chalk only make vintage wines, relying on the character of the season to influence the wines, meaning every year brings something different.

This rosé is made from a fine Burgundian clone (779) of Pinot Noir, early-ripening Pinot Noir Précoce and Pinot Gris. Notes of strawberry and cherry blossom on the palate are softened by 100% malolactic conversion. I’ll be drinking this with crab pasta.