We all know that England’s sparkling wines have firmly earned their place on the world stage, often rivalling the best of Champagne. But what about England’s still wines? Can they hold their own against the greats of France?
Book a tasting with me and lets put it to the test!
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting Whitewolfe Estate in Kent, a vineyard run by Clare Whitehead and Luke Wolfe. The duo cleverly combined their surnames to create the name Whitewolfe. They have planted solely Chardonnay at Kit’s Coty, making them the first vineyard in England to focus exclusively on a single variety for the purpose of fine still wine.
Clare raised an interesting concern—there are a lot of average English Chardonnays on the market, often priced at £35-£40 a bottle but lacking the quality to justify the cost. However, tasting Whitewolfe’s range was a revelation. I first encountered their wines at the Liberty Wines portfolio tasting earlier this year, and I was blown away.
The KC Range
Whitewolfe’s KC range is named after Kit’s Coty, the vineyard’s location. Each wine is crafted with precision and intent, showcasing English Chardonnay has the potential to be excel.
KC 1 – Nicknamed "Elegant," this wine is all about minerality and finesse. It has that wonderful struck match flintiness, reminding me of a Burgundian-wines, like Puligny Montrachet bring an elegance or even a Chablis.
KC 2 – Nicknamed "Powerful," this wine leans into bold citrus intensity with a richer, more rounded mouthfeel. It undergoes malolactic fermentation, softening its acidity and adding depth. This wine made me think of a Meursault, with its weight and complexity.
Both wines prove that England can produce serious still Chardonnay—wines that are not just good for England, but good, full stop.
A Day in the Vineyard – Slow and Steady Pruning
My visit to Whitewolfe wasn’t just about tasting—I got my hands dirty pruning vines planted in 2020. Shaping vines in their early years is crucial, and let’s just say… I was painfully slow at it. Luke, on the other hand, made it look effortless.
With early March comes the constant worry of spring frosts, a growing issue due to climate change. At Whitewolfe, they monitor soil temperatures at depths of 1 to 1.5 metres, with current readings between 3-4°C—a promising sign. Historically, temperatures have ranged from 6.5-7°C, indicating steady microbial activity in the soil, when you want them to be dormant.
So, Can England Compete?
After this experience, I have no doubt that England’s best still wines can stand shoulder to shoulder with top French examples. The problem is consistency—too many overpriced, underwhelming wines are diluting the reputation of English Chardonnay. But when you taste something like Whitewolfe’s KC range, the potential is undeniable.
So next time someone tells you that English wine is only good for fizz, hand them a glass of KC 1 or 2—and watch their opinion change.
Would you be up for a blind tasting challenge—England vs France? Let me know!
Elizabeth x
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