Global Warming Key Ingredient for Success of British Bubbly

Tuesday, 11 May 2010 | by Pat's Picks

Global warming has given the British something to raise their glasses to says the Wall Street Journal this morning. The British invented sparkling wine in the 17th century but the island’s cold summer months couldn’t compete with the warmer climate of France’s Champagne region, which has since become synonymous with bubbly. Until now that is. Record-high temperatures over the last decade have encouraged plumper grapes to grow in England, which the British are turning into award-winning sparkling wines.

Nyetimber Estate was named the “world’s best sparkling wine” at a taste-off in January.