British Wine for the Royal Wedding
By: Sarah Chappell
Published: April 27, 2011

The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is almost here, and more information has been shared about their beverage choices. Decanter announced last week that Pol Roger has been selected as the official wedding Champagne. However, the young couple has also expressed a desire to have this wedding reflect the best of Britain. The Daily Mail is now reporting that English wine will be served at one of the private receptions at Buckingham Palace.
The rumored wine is produced by Chapel Down, the largest UK winery, and will be a still white style. Even the winery itself is not sure of the wine's role in the celebrations, but the Daily Mail has learned that a large shipment of Chapel Down was delivered to the Queen's residence.
England has not gained an international reputation for its wine, but that may soon change. Eric Asimov, wine critic for the New York Times, recently wrote that English wine, especially sparkling styles, are worth seeking out. Southern England has similar soil to the great sparkling wine region of Champagne, including the chalky limestone for which the area is famous. Few British wines currently make it across the Atlantic but, according to Asimov, we may be able to drink like the future King and Queen of England by the end of the year as exports increase.
Photo by Chapel Down