What To Drink At Fortnum's With Helen McGinn | English Wine Case
WHAT TO DRINK AT FORTNUM'S
WITH HELEN McGINN
The English Wine Case
As the weather warms and British skies get bluer, we’re thrilled to welcome award-winning wine expert, presenter and author Helen McGinn, aka @knackeredmother, back to Fortnum’s for her second curated wine case - the English wine edit. Whilst we go in search of an ice bucket, it's over to Helen to take you on a guided tour of her favourite English bottles.
‘It brings me such joy to introduce this English wine edit to you, not least because it’s homegrown. When I started my career in the wine industry 30 years ago, the English wine scene looked very different. Now, with hundreds of wineries and over a thousand different vineyards producing some of the world’s most exciting wines we have much to celebrate. Time to raise a glass…’
1.
Fortnum's English Sparkling Vintage by Wiston Estate
£50
The Wiston Estate in Sussex has been in the Goring family for hundreds of years but it wasn’t until relatively recently that vines were planted on the insistance of current owner Harry’s South African-born wife Pip. Thank goodness, because the wines are tip top. This one’s from the cool 2016 vintage and is as smart as many an aged champagne.
2.
Fortnum's English Sparkling Brut, Camel Valley
£35
Made exclusively for Fortnum’s by Camel Valley in Cornwall, the only English winery to hold a Royal Warrant. A blend of classic champagne grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir along with a dash Seyval Blanc, it’s a real crowd-pleaser with orchard fruits on a bed of bubbles. The perfect aperitif, really.
3.
Langham Estate Rosé Sparkling NV
£42
Langham lies close to the Dorset coast and winemaker Tommy Grimshaw is a rising star on the English winemaking scene, favouring a hands-off approach. He’s definitely doing something right; the wines are so delicious. His sparkling pink is a real favourite of mine with toast and pomegranate flavours.
‘When Fortnum’s asked if I’d like to collaborate on some wine selections I wondered if I might be dreaming. Seriously – I’ve loved the Fortnum’s wine shop for years, often finding an excuse to wander the aisles in the name of research. A real hidden gem, the choice of wines is surprisingly eclectic with everything from brilliant go-to bottles to something a little (or a lot) more special from many of the world’s best wine producers. Join me as I journey through the Fortnum & Mason wine range and discover for yourself just how much joy they bring to the table!’
Helen McGinn
4.
Flint Vineyards Pinot Précoce, Norfolk
£27
This Norfolk-based producer is named after the predominantly flinty soil of the area and Pinot Precoce, an early ripening version of Pinot Noir, suits it down to the ground. This bright, juicy red reminds me of a young Beaujolais – think black cherries and a touch of spice. Properly joyful wine.
5.
Fortnum's English Still Rosé
£19.95
Pale as Provence rosé but made from grapes grown across vineyards in Suffolk & Kent, this gorgeous rosé is a blend of several varieties including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. It’s got that classic English freshness along with a hint of strawberry and elderflower. A great picnic wine.
6.
Salt Eire, Sugrue South Downs, Sussex
£30
A left-field wine from one of the most exciting producers around, this blend of solera-aged Chardonnay mixes wines from two vintages (2022 & 2023) and manages to balance both real richness along with winemaker Dermot Sugrue’s hallmark freshness. Like sipping a glimpse into English wine’s future!
Inspiration
Discover The Journal, home to a host of our most delicious stories.
Helen McGinn's Spring Case
Stanley Tucci's Asparagus Risotto Recipe